The incidents occurred amid ongoing investigations into serious abuse reports at the Sde Teiman army base near Beersheba.

The unrest began when large crowds gathered outside the Sde Teiman compound after Israeli military police moved in to detain the reservists. These soldiers are under investigation for allegedly abusing a Palestinian detainee, a suspected Hamas fighter. Reports suggest that the detainee sustained severe injuries, including sexual abuse that left him unable to walk. The military’s advocate general has ordered a formal inquiry into the reports.

Protesters forced their way into the base and later into the Beit Lid military base, where the reservists were taken for questioning. Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi condemned the break-ins, describing them as "extremely serious and against the law," and warned that such actions jeopardize national security.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for de-escalation and emphasized the importance of following legal processes. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also stressed the necessity of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference, stating, “Even in times of anger, the law applies to everyone.”

The protests were supported by far-right politicians, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, who labeled the detention of the reservists as "shameful." 

The Sde Teiman base has been the focus of previous abuse allegations, with reports of severe mistreatment and even amputations due to cuffing injuries. Amnesty International has called for an end to the indefinite detention of Palestinians from Gaza and condemned what it describes as "rampant torture" in Israeli prisons.

The situation remains tense as authorities seek to restore order and address the serious allegations against the military personnel. (ILKHA)