IDF bases hit by major security breaches

A series of alarming security lapses has come to light at sensitive IDF bases, exposing vulnerabilities that allowed unauthorized Arab workers to infiltrate and compromise classified areas. A surprise inspection last November at Tel Nof Airbase, detailed in a document from Kol Hayehudi, uncovered a shocking breach: a project officer had shared a detailed aerial map of the base with an Arab worker lacking security clearance. This map pinpointed the homes of pilots and officers’ families, complete with names and locations. The worker, along with another uncleared individual, entered the base with the commander’s approval and roamed freely without escorts. The incident didn’t stop there—months later, in January, cleared Arab workers at Hatzerim Airbase tried to bribe a soldier with 30,000 shekels for his firearm, though he refused and reported it.

Further revelations emerged during a recent IDF committee meeting aimed at suspending civilian service providers. The investigation exposed a laundry list of failures: workers used fake documents to gain entry, smuggled others in via vehicles, snapped photos of secret equipment, brought in banned phones, and even faked inspection stickers to move illicit gear unchecked. One worker wielded a device to jam entry scans, while military supplies vanished from storage units. Lieutenant Colonel Adi Berkowitz, who led the probe, described the situation as “severe,” pointing to gaping holes in security enforcement. Her report warned that these breaches are a glaring red flag, demanding swift action, stricter oversight, and disciplinary measures.

The IDF isn’t sitting idle—service providers linked to these incidents are now being sidelined as the military scrambles to plug the leaks. From forged IDs to stolen gear, the breaches paint a picture of systemic neglect at bases housing critical operations. Berkowitz’s findings underscore the urgency: without immediate fixes, these gaps could invite even graver risks. For now, the IDF is racing to restore trust and tighten the reins on who gets through the gates.