Israeli who joined combat in opposition to Hamas, indicted for impersonating soldier, stealing weapons

Jerusalem — An Israeli man who by no means served within the navy was charged with impersonating a soldier and stealing weapons after sneaking into a military unit and becoming a member of the combating in opposition to Hamas.

According to an indictment filed Sunday, Roi Yifrach, 35, took benefit of the chaotic state of affairs within the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault to hitch fight operations and steal giant quantities of navy gear, together with weapons, munitions, and delicate communications gear.

Israeli media mentioned he hung out combating in Gaza and even appeared in a photograph subsequent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throughout certainly one of his visits to troopers within the area.

Yifrach went to southern Israel on Oct. 7 and offered himself alternately as a fight soldier from elite anti-terrorism items, a bomb dispersal knowledgeable, and a member of the Shin Bet inner safety service, the indictment mentioned.

Police arrested Yifrach on Dec. 17 and located giant quantities of weapons, grenades, magazines, walkie-talkies, a drone, uniforms, and different navy gear in his possession.

Eitan Sabag, Yifrach’s lawyer, advised Israel’s Channel 12 TV that Yifrach went right down to the south to assist as a paramedic with a primary responder group, and fought bravely to defend Israel for greater than two months. “He was helping people and helping rescue people, all under fire, while also fighting against terrorists,” Sabag mentioned.

Police additionally detained 4 different individuals, together with a police officer, in reference to the weapons theft.