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Last Updated on September 6, 2024.

Washington – Win Without War Executive Director Sara Haghdoosti released the following statement responding to the far-right storming of Israeli Defense Fund bases in support of reservists who are accused of raping a Palestinian detainee:

“There is no justification for rape, ever. We are utterly repulsed and condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and other far-right Israeli ministers and parliamentarians who not only failed to encourage investigations into the report of the use of rape and torture in the Sde Teiman facility but also encouraged protesters who rioted at IDF bases to stop the people alleged to have committed the horrific abuses from being detained. 

“Smotrich went as far as to call the alleged abusers ‘heroes’ and Ben-Gvir claimed that he and other members of his party would join the rioters. The number of Israeli public officials that have condoned rape against Palestinian detainees is appalling and has no justification or explanation. 

“Detainees from Gaza and the West Bank are being held at Sde Teiman. The Biden administration would be well within its rights to sanction anyone involved in committing or covering up abuses there, including Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Any Israeli government official involved needs to be sanctioned and condemned in the strongest possible terms by the Biden administration. 

“These actions are yet another reminder that the Netanyahu government is prepared to break with global norms and decency no matter the cost. It is beyond time for the Biden administration to question its approach, in particular its continued supply of offensive weapons, to a government that tolerates such extremism in its midst.” 

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Win Without War is a diverse network of activists and national organizations working for progressive foreign policy in the United States.

 

**August 12, 2024 Update: If you have experienced sexual assault and are in need support please consider reaching out to RAINN or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for resources and support.

 

 

August 2, 2024