IDF Brig. Gen. Buchris convicted in plea bargain of prohibited sexual liaison
The highly anticipated trial determined that Buchris is guilty, making him the highest ranked soldier convicted of this crime.
By YONAH JEREMY BOBUpdated: DECEMBER 18, 2016 23:37IDF Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ofek Buchris(photo credit: ELI DASSA)
IDF Brig.-Gen. Ofek Buchris was convicted of a prohibited sexual liaison with a junior female soldier, as part of a plea bargain in what is believed to be a conviction of the highest-ranking soldier for that crime.The agreement ends a 10-month saga which shook the IDF to its foundation.The plea deal, endorsed by the IDF’s special court for senior officers, meant he admitted to consensual sex with a junior female soldier, which is prohibited because she was under his command.He also admitted to conduct unbecoming in his interactions with a second victim, a junior female IDF officer who had been under his command.Buchris will be demoted to the rank of colonel, and is expected to receive a suspended sentence, while three counts of rape and any jail time were expected to be dropped as part of the deal.Arguments over his sentence are set for January 17.The IDF also noted his taking public responsibility for his actions, including making it clear that the main victim had not wanted his sexual solicitations and yet he had persisted with her – a fact mention by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot in a recent statement about the case.Buchris, a famed general who was on track to potentially become chief of staff, was indicted in July on three counts of rape and 13 counts of other sex crimes against the two women – referred to merely as “A.” and “L.” – between July 2012 and January 2013.Though for over half a year he had denied any kind of sexual contact with either woman, the plea bargain forced him to significantly shift his position.