JERUSALEM (JTA) — A soldier stole the credit card number of the Israeli army’s chief of staff, as well as three firearms.
The thefts occurred last month, but the identity of the soldier and his victim remained under a gag order that was partially lifted Sunday after pressure from the Israeli media.
The accused soldier was a guard at the main Tel Aviv military base, assigned to the general staff area, including the office of Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, according to reports that cited military spokesmen.
Ashkenazi’s credit card number, captured in a picture on the soldier’s cell phone, was given to an Israeli Arab to whom the soldier owed money. The Israeli Arab also bought the two stolen M-16 rifles and a decorative yet non-functional hand gun. About $500 was charged to the credit card.
During questioning, the soldier said he was not the only serviceman posted at the base that had Ashkenazi’s card number, Ha’aretz reported Monday.
