Israeli Man Indicted for Taking Advantage of Internal Strife to Join Combat Operations

On Sunday, Israeli authorities filed an indictment against Roi Yifrach, 35, for taking advantage of the chaotic situation in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack to join combat operations and steal large amounts of military gear, including weapons, munitions, and sensitive communications equipment.

Yifrach had presented himself alternately as a combat soldier from elite anti-terrorism units, a bomb dispersal expert, and a member of the military. He was able to sneak into an army unit and join the fighting against Hamas.

Galit Distel Atbaryan, a former public diplomacy minister and member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet, apologized for her role in the internal strife in Israel that preceded the Oct. 7 attack. She admitted to “sinning against” the democratic, secular public and causing pain for Israelis as well as fear.

Distel Atbaryan’s statement marks a rare admission of responsibility from a member of Netanyahu’s Likud Party for sowing division ahead of the attack. Yifrach’s case is still ongoing and it is unclear what the outcome will be. However, it serves as a reminder of the dangers of internal strife and the need for unity in times of crisis.