The IDF’s advocate general closed the case against Givati commander Colonel Ofer Winter, perhaps the most well-known Zionist Orthodox soldier in the IDF. Winter allegedly failed to report alleged sexual harassment of male and female soldiers by one of his subordinate officers, Lieutenant Colonel Liran Hajbi – a case that made national news in Israel early this month.
Above: Ofer Winter
Top Zionist Orthodox IDF Officer Escapes Punishment For Allegedly Covering Up Sex Abuse, Violating IDF Rules
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
The IDF’s advocate general closed the case against Givati Brigade Commander Colonel Ofer Winter, Ha'aretz reported. Winter is perhaps the most well-known Zionist Orthodox soldier in the IDF and is certainly the most controversial, repeatedly violating IDF rules related to both religion and to military procedure.
In this latest case, Winter allegedly failed to report alleged sexual harassment of male and female soldiers by one of his subordinate officers, Lieutenant Colonel Liran Hajbi – a case that made national news in Israel early this month. He also allegedly lied to the soldiers who complained to him about Hajbi's alleged sexual assaults.
Winter was questioned under caution by military police last week, two weeks after the story broke in the Israeli media.
However, the IDF’s Chief Military Advocate General Major General Danny Efroni then decided that Winter did not intentionally try to block an investigation into Hajbi and decided not bring criminal charges against Winter – who had the powerful Zionist Orthodox community behind him.
But it seems clear Winter lied to his soldiers and also failed to report Hajbi's alleged crimes in violation of IDF rules.
Winter’s subordinate Hajbi was not as lucky as Winter. He was relieved of his command by the IDF’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz this week even though the investigation into his alleged crimes is not yet complete. Military police will continue their investigation into Hajbi as well, and he may face criminal charges.
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