In April 2024, Israel’s State Comptroller criticized the IDF for ordering female cadets to guard Nukhba terrorists, highlighting serious concerns about their treatment. Female reservists assigned to the Sde Teiman base reported enduring sexual harassment, degrading behavior, and humiliating conditions while guarding highly dangerous terrorists. One soldier recounted how terrorists would masturbate, blow kisses, and attempt to undress them during their shifts, leaving them traumatized and unwilling to serve under such conditions.

Many of these women were forced to oversee terrorists during intimate moments like showering or handcuff exchanges, situations that intensified their distress and vulnerability. Despite their suffering, they faced dismissive attitudes from superiors and were denied access to mental health support, leading some to hospitalizations and long-term trauma. The issue echoes prior reports indicating that a significant percentage of female guards experienced sexual assault from prisoners. These developments have sparked widespread outrage and calls for improved protections for female service members in the IDF.