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Eden AbergilFormer Israeli soldier.
Country:
 Israel |
Content:
- Eden Abergil: A Controversial Figure in Israel's Military
- The Facebook Incident
- Accusations and Fallout
- Comparison to Lynndie England
- Official Response
- Public Reaction
Eden Abergil: A Controversial Figure in Israel's Military
Eden Abergil, a former Israeli soldier, became the center of a global controversy in 2009 when she posted a series of photographs on her Facebook page that depicted her posing with Palestinian prisoners of war.
The Facebook Incident
The photographs, which were posted in an album entitled "Army - The Best Days of My Life," showed Abergil standing alongside several Palestinian men with their eyes covered and hands bound. Abergil's demeanor in the photos was described as casual, with one image suggesting a slightly mocking pose.
Accusations and Fallout
Palestinian authorities denounced the photos, accusing Abergil and the Israeli army of occupation and abuse. Abergil also faced criticism for a comment she made on one of the images, saying, "I wonder if he (the prisoner) is on Facebook. I should tag him."
Initially, Abergil responded aggressively, but later toned down her rhetoric and expressed regret that the incident had escalated into an international controversy. Despite her apologies, Abergil refused to speak to foreign journalists, preferring to communicate with Israeli media outlets.
Comparison to Lynndie England
Critics compared Abergil's actions to those of American soldier Lynndie England, who gained notoriety for her involvement in a similar incident involving Iraqi prisoners of war. Abergil, however, denied any wrongdoing, claiming that she had not humiliated or harmed the prisoners in any way.
Official Response
Israeli military spokesperson Barack Raz condemned the photos, calling them "a disgrace" and stating that any soldier caught engaging in such conduct would face disciplinary action. Abergil expressed disappointment at the military's response, arguing that she should have been supported for her service to Israel.
Public Reaction
Public opinion in Israel largely supported Abergil, with supporters pointing to other, more graphic images of Palestinian prisoners of war that were readily available online. They argued that the Palestinian men depicted in Abergil's photographs were legitimate prisoners of war who had not been mistreated.
