The Minister caused a stir: We have published anonymous complaints about sexual harassment in the army Israel today

Minister of Intelligence Elazar Stern caused a stir this morning (Sunday) when he revealed in an interview with Golan Yokfaz and Anat Davidov on FM103 radio that he made sure that anonymous letters complaining about officers were sent for shredding, including letters about sexual harassment.

He further stressed that "the cultural damage is much greater".

During the interview, Stern praised the appointments committee for approving R.'s appointment as head of the GSS. Take care of it faster. "

"In our society, people will stand up with their name and say things. The committee should check what is known. If such a letter came with names, I would not say that it should not be dealt with. I think that if an anonymous letter arrives - this culture should not be touched. By the way, I am very much in favor of criticism, "the Minister of Intelligence added.

He also stated that he did not want to speculate who could send such a letter to the head of the GSS.

Against the background of these things, he was asked if he had received such letters while he was the head of the IDF in the past and what he had done with them.

Asked if he had received an anonymous letter about the sexual harassment or sexual assault of a senior military official, Stern replied: "I also create an atmosphere for female soldiers, who have someone to complain to and whoever is most comfortable with them. I also create an atmosphere that encourages complaining and backs women. I do not think that at the expense of encouraging the duty to complain about what is really being done, we can lend a hand (to such a culture). "

At first Stern answered in the affirmative as to whether he would hold anonymous complaints of sexual harassment, but later said he did not remember exactly whether female soldiers' letters had been shredded in the past.

Naamat's chairman, Hagit Peer, responded to the remarks and said: "Shame and disgrace that this is the message that a minister in the government chooses to convey to the public in Israel this morning.

It should be mentioned in honor of the Minister that the law in the State of Israel requires that complaints regarding sexual harassment be investigated - including anonymity.

It is worth examining carefully what exactly Minister Stern was up to in his position as head of the ACA.

Any complaint, even if it is anonymous, should be investigated lightly and materially on sensitive issues related to sexual harassment.

The test itself does not mean blaming someone and those who have nothing to hide will not be afraid to clarify facts.

Instead of setting a positive example, Minister Stern is proud of his dark policy. "