Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that Israel should conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual assaults by soldiers against Palestinian detainees and called for "zero tolerance" towards the perpetrators. When asked about a video broadcast by Israeli Channel 12, showing soldiers taking a detainee away from surveillance cameras to commit abuses, and broader allegations of violations against prisoners, Miller said U.S. officials have reviewed the footage.
Miller continued, "We watched the video, and the reports of sexual assault on detainees are horrific. The Israeli government and Israeli Defense Forces should conduct a thorough investigation into these reports." He added, "There should be zero tolerance for any sexual assault or rape of detainees, that's unequivocal. If there are detainees who have been sexually assaulted or raped, the Israeli government and Israeli military must conduct a full investigation into these acts and hold anyone responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
The White House also described reports of rape, torture, and mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners as "deeply concerning." White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that "it is essential that the rule of law prevails and that proper procedures are followed."
