'Israeli' military investigates soldiers over theft from Lebanese hotel

• 'Israeli' military probes looting by reservists.
• Soldiers accused of taking hotel supplies.
• Items reportedly brought back as souvenirs.
• Incident follows previous looting thefts.

The 'Israeli' military command has opened an internal investigation following reports that reserve soldiers from a Special Forces Commando Brigade stole personal items and amenities from a hotel in western southern Lebanon, according to a report by Hebrew newspaper Maariv.

The soldiers, who were using the hotel as their operational residence during military actions in recent months, took bathrobes, slippers, and personal hygiene items from the building's warehouse before returning to 'Israel'.

Hotel amenities packed into military containers

According to Maariv, the reservists operated in the western sector of southern Lebanon as part of operations to establish control over the "Majdal" area.

The troops reportedly viewed the taken items as personal "booty" and keepsakes from their participation in combat.

Reports indicated that the commando forces were quartered in a luxury four-star hotel that had been evacuated following the outbreak of the war.

While stationed there, soldiers accessed the hotel warehouse, which contained supplies for guests and spa visitors.

Items taken included:

• Bathrobes
• Slippers
• Soap containers
• Shampoo bottles

The stolen items were subsequently packed inside military equipment containers for transport back across the border.

Military command reaction

The military command stated that it views these actions extremely negatively and initiated a formal investigation, despite having previously praised the brigade for its operational combat role and its discovery of an underground drone facility constructed in the "Majdal" area.

Maariv highlighted that this inquiry forms part of a broader pattern of thefts in the region:

• Generator seizure: In a separate case, a reserve officer holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as a battalion commander was convicted of seizing an abandoned electrical generator. He loaded the generator onto a military vehicle to transport it to 'Israel' instead of carrying out his duties. Command authorities uncovered the act, ordered him to return the generator personally, and opened an investigation.
• Haaretz southern Lebanon report: A previous investigation by Hebrew newspaper Haaretz cited witnesses confirming widespread looting of abandoned homes in southern Lebanese towns, with valuable items taken including televisions, motorcycles, artwork, luxury furniture, and carpets.
• HaMakom Gaza investigation: Independent 'Israeli' investigative journalism platform HaMakom HaKhei Kham BaGehinnom ("The Hottest Place in Hell") previously published an extensive investigation detailing large-scale military looting in the Gaza Strip.