An Israeli woman who completed her military service last year posted photographs of herself from the army posing with blindfolded and bound Palestinian prisoners under the title “The Army ... The Most Beautiful Time of My Life,” producing enraged commentary on the Internet and condemnation from the military.
The woman, Eden Abergil, from the southern city of Ashdod, is seen in the pictures, posted on her Facebook page, smiling next to the prisoners.
A few friends on her page praised the pictures, including one who wrote, “You look so sexy like that.” Ms. Abergil’s reply, using the shorthand of the medium, was, “Yeah I know lol honey. What a day it was. Look how he completes my picture. I wonder if he’s got Facebook!”
After an Israeli Web site posted the selections from the page, angry commentary ensued. The Israeli military issued a statement saying: “This was shameful behavior by the soldier. In light of the fact that she was discharged last year, all of the details have been turned over to the commanders for further attention.”
Generally, acts done while in military service can be prosecuted, but a spokesman said that since Ms. Abergil had been discharged last year, legal action remained unclear. The Public Committee Against Torture, an Israeli group, said that abusive behavior by soldiers was the norm at West Bank checkpoints and at detention centers.
Several bloggers who asked Ms. Abergil for comment were turned away. She also changed her Facebook settings to block outsiders.
Front Page Features