Soldier in court
Photo: Tsafrir Abayov
Soldier who stole credit card during Gaza op jailed
Givati Brigade soldier who used Palestinian's credit card to withdraw NIS 1,600 gets 7.5 months in jail; Palestinian compensated in full, but court says act warranted 'deterring punishment'
A Givati Brigade soldier who stole a Palestinian's credit card during Operation Cast Lead and used it to withdraw NIS 1,600 ($405) was sentenced to seven and-a-half months in a military prison.
In its ruling, the Southern Command's Military Court said the act warranted "punishment that includes an element of deterrence."
The soldier was arrested about three months ago and was indicted a few days later. After admitting to charges of looting, credit card fraud, and indecent conduct during the IDF offensive in Gaza in January, the defendant asked his attorney to compensate the Palestinian in full, with interest.
The attorney, Shai Roda, transferred NIS 1,620 ($410) in cash to the Palestinian's lawyer.
Roda also handed the Palestinian's lawyer a letter saying, "My client is regretful and wishes to pass on his sincere apologies for withdrawing funds from your client's account."
According to the prosecution, the combat soldier entered a Palestinian home in Zeitun neighborhood during the fighting in Gaza in order to obtain a lookout position.
He found a wallet under the bed which contained a Visa card and a note on which the card's 4-digit code was written, the indictment says. He took the card and placed it in them pocket of his uniform.
The soldier then attempted to use the card to withdraw money from banks in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan. All in all he tried on nine different attempts to withdraw a total of NIS 5,800 ($1,441), but succeeded only in receiving NIS 1,600 ($398).
