Israeli man charged with impersonating a soldier

Roy Yifrah poses with Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli charged with posing as a soldier who took part in the Gaza war , where he participated is even depicted on the front line with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli prosecutors accused Roy Yifru of stealing ammunition. The indictment stated that he posed as a member of the elite Shin Bet unit, a combat soldier and a military sapper.

He wore a tactical uniform to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in battles on the southern front.

TV's top-rated Channel 12 showed a photo of what happened. said the 35-year-old man, in full combat gear, posed with other soldiers next to Mr. Netanyahu on the helipad.

An Israeli official confirmed that Mr. Yifra posed with Mr. Netanyahu, but said that the Prime Minister was never in danger due to «multiple layers of security in place.»

The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to the request. request for comment.

Lawyer says he should be commended.

This ruse «facilitated (Yifre's) access to firearms, ammunition, and military and police equipment,» the indictment says, adding that the stolen shipment was found in Mr. Yiffra's possession. In the house there was a machine gun, various cartridges, smoke bombs and holsters.

The five counts against him, including aggravated fraud and theft, carry a maximum sentence of 36 years in prison. But Mr Yifrah's lawyer argued that the accused should be praised.

«My client is a medic who saved lives under fire while risking his own and killing terrorists,» lawyer Eitan Sabag told 12th channel. adding that “the defendant in these circumstances is the State of Israel and not Roy Yifrah.”

According to the indictment, Mr. Yifrah stole a walkie-talkie, a drone and various uniforms. He was arrested on December 17 with part of the weapon in his possession.

Four more suspects, including a police officer, were questioned in this case. They were released under house arrest.

The indictment stated: “Despite the state of emergency that Israel is experiencing, the accused posed as a combat soldier holding positions in the security forces and special forces, in order to steal a large number of weapons, ammunition and equipment, while reducing the amount of the above available to the IDF and the police.»