New strategy in Israel for deterring property offenses by soldiers

Haaretz reports here about a new policy under which the Israel Defence Force will sue military personnel who have committed property offenses:

The Israel Defense Forces has begun filing civil suits against soldiers convicted of property offenses in military courts, in an effort to make them pay for some of the damage they cause.

The Military Advocate General’s Corps decided on the change in policy after months spent studying the issue. The corps said that such suits would provide “active protection for state property” and deter future criminals.

A few cases in which soldiers were convicted of misappropriating army property and thereby causing the IDF financial damage have already been transferred to the State Prosecutor’s Office so it can begin preparing suits against the culprits.

In one recent case, for instance, the state filed a damages suit against a noncommissioned officer in the standing army who was convicted of stealing goods worth some 28,000 shekels ($7,500) from the IDF and selling them to civilians. The stolen goods included 15 cylinders of helium and various foods. The NCO confessed to the crime and was sentenced to four months in jail, a 5,000-shekel fine and demotion to private.

After the suit was filed, the man reached a settlement with the state under which he agreed to pay it 30,000 shekels.

One point that remains in dispute is whether the new policy should be applied only to career personnel or to conscripts as well.