Last update - 00:00 10/01/2008
MI Colonel discharged from IDF for losing memory disk with classified files
By Yuval Azoulay, Haaretz Correspondent
An Israel Defense Forces colonel serving in Military Intelligence has been discharged from the army due to severe information security violations, according to information made public Thursday.
According to Channel 2 television, the officer copied classified files from a military computer onto a disk-on-key, in order to transfer them to a private computer. He then placed the disk-on-key in the pocket of his uniform, which he proceeded to send to the cleaners. At this point the disk-on-key fell out of the pocket, and was found by a civilian who alerted the IDF, which in turn launched an investigation.
An IDF source said the incident occurred three years ago and was concluded approximately six months ago, when the sides reached a plea agreement according to which the officer would accept a discharge.
"The IDF places great importance on the issue of information security, and is extremely active among officers and soldiers ? both in terms of awareness and in terms of enforcement," the IDF Spokesperson's Office said in a statement.
An IDF source said that the military has decided to implement a zero-tolerance policy towards information security and intelligence violations, and that commanders have been instructed to take severe steps against both officers and soldiers guilty of such violations.
"No one in the army is dealing with the secret strategy of an investment company," he said. "Rather this is classified material and operational information, and there are no breaks when it comes to this issue."
"The fact that a high ranking officer is ending his military career at such a young age due to such a violation says a lot about how the IDF views the matter."