IDF ‘deals with’ soldiers operating unauthorised explicit Telegram channel

The IDF has ‘dealt with’ members of its psychological warfare unit who were found to be running an unauthorised graphic Telegram channel after previously denying involvement.

The Telegram channel “72 Virgins – Uncensored”, was found to have been operated by members of the IDF’s Influencing Department, which usually targets enemy audiences. Members of the channel regularly posted explicit images and footage from the Gaza Strip including the bodies of Hamas terrorists.

The channel encouraged its Hebrew-speaking followers to share the content so “everyone can see we’re screwing them.” 

A video from October 14 allegedly showed an Israeli vehicle repeatedly driving over the body of a slain terrorist, with the accompanying text “Very good, Gershon!!! Run him over run him over!!! Screw the bastards! Flatten them.”

Another alleged video showed a soldier dipping his bullets in pork fat with the caption “What a man!!! Greases bullets with lard. You won’t get your virgins.”

An investigation into the channel conducted by Israeli newspaper Haaretz found that members of the Influencing Department had created the channel on October 9, two days after the October 7 massacre, without approval or authorisation.

The admission follows an original investigation into the channel by the paper last month, which led to an internal investigation and a denial of any involvement.

An IDF spokesperson told Haaretz that after a thorough investigation, “it was found that the Telegram page was operated by the IDF without authorisation and without authority. The incident has been dealt with.” The findings have led to the discharge of the unit’s wartime commander according to Haaretz.

The channel, which has over 5000 followers, posted material almost daily and often content only available to the defence establishment at the time.

On October 11 the channel also supported the fan club of Beitar Jerusalem football team when they stormed the Sheba Medical Centre near Tel Aviv following a rumour that Hamas terrorists who had invaded Israel were receiving treatment there. A video of the riot was posted to the channel with the caption, “My brothers, the heroes, La Familia fans, love you!!!! What heroes, they came to screw the Arabs.”