“The blood of Brigadier General Ofek Buchris, a decorated hero of Israel and recipient of the Chief of Staff’s Medal, has been forfeited and plundered without any trial. Buchris is under attack and being sullied by the media. In this fight, we’re with him!”

This demonstration of overwhelming support figures prominently on the Facebook page “Supporters of Brigadier General Ofek Buchris.” The page first appeared at the beginning of March, as early reports in the media claimed that the highly regarded senior officer was suspected of raping a female soldier, who served under him, and of sexually harassing another female soldier.

Almost 7,000 people have already joined the page in support of Buchris. That is, undoubtedly, a lot of people. What is most unusual, however, is that his supporters include quite a few women, who are openly backing a suspected rapist. The photo on the page’s banner features Buchris standing beside former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz at some military briefing or other. Alongside it is the promise, “We will not allow a kangaroo court to rule against our commander, Brigadier General Ofek Buchris.”

Buchris’ many supporters have also appeared openly in the established media, giving on-record interviews in which they sing his praises and list his many qualities as a commander and person with values. In addition to officers who served with him in Israel Defense Forces (IDF) combat units, female officers who served beside him also figure prominently in these interviews. News stations have been highlighting the testimony of his senior adjutant, Capt. Or Parmon, who posted a moving appeal to the public on her Facebook page. In it, she called on people not to judge Buchris until the investigation has exhausted itself.