IDF soldiers assigned to the 136th Air Defense Battalion at at Palmachim AFB in 2021. (IDF/Twitter)
In a disturbing scandal rocking one of Israel’s elite missile defense battalions, seven soldiers from the Israeli Air Force’s Arrow unit have been detained for allegedly sexually assaulting and abusing junior troops during what they described as an “initiation ceremony.”
According to multiple reports, around 10 newly assigned soldiers to the 136th Air Defense Battalion—part of the unit responsible for operating Israel’s Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile systems—were subjected to weeks of abuse that reportedly included acts of sodomy, violence, and threats.
The Israeli military has launched a full Military Police investigation into the incident, which it described as involving “serious actions during ‘initiation ceremonies’ of veteran soldiers against juniors.” Sources say the abuse may have taken place during the recent conflict with Iran, where the Arrow unit played a critical role in intercepting long-range ballistic missiles launched toward Israel.
Several of the detained soldiers reportedly claimed the acts were consensual and meant as a joke, according to initial interrogations referenced by Ynet News, which first broke the story. That claim has done little to ease public outrage or satisfy military leaders, who are treating the incident with gravity.
“The IDF views any act of violence seriously and adopts a zero-tolerance approach toward initiation ceremonies of this and other kinds,” the military said in a statement, adding that the investigation is still in its early stages and details remain limited.
The Arrow unit is one of Israel’s most strategically vital formations, often hailed as the last line of defense against incoming missiles. Its troops are usually seen as technically proficient, disciplined, and high-performing. That reputation now faces a serious stain.
Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar is reportedly personally involved in the case, indicating the severity with which the IDF is taking these allegations.
While hazing isn’t new to military institutions worldwide, such extreme and criminally sexualized behavior is rare within Israel’s non-combat units. Most previous hazing scandals in the IDF have stemmed from infantry or commando units, not air defense personnel tasked with protecting the nation from existential threats.
This developing story will no doubt continue to send shockwaves through the Israeli military establishment and spark renewed conversations about the culture of hazing and accountability in military units.
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