The four-month investigation into the serial statutory rape of a 12-year-old girl living on the Israel Air Force base at Nevatim has ended in a whimper.

The office of the Military Advocate General announced on Thursday that
none of the suspects in the case would be brought up on criminal charges.

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Out of more than 200 individuals interrogated, 30 soldiers who had sex with the girl will be charged with conduct unbecoming and tried by an officer of the rank of colonel. Two non-commissioned officers who confessed to sexual relations with the child will be discharged from the career army. Another career-army NCO and a first lieutenant will also be tried for hearing about the sexual actions and not reporting the matter to their superiors.

In explaining the decision not to try any of those involved on criminal charges, the MAG pointed to evidentiary obstacles. The victim, now 15 years old, told investigators early on that she had lied to the soldiers about her age, and told them she was 17  an age at which consensual sexual relations with her are not considered a crime.

Another hurdle was an announcement by the girl's guardians that they would not permit her to testify in military court because of their desire to spare her additional trauma.

About three months ago, the commander of the IAF base, Colonel Erez, resigned his post, saying that as the officer in charge he was responsible for what had happened on his watch. Nonetheless, Erez maintained throughout that he was completely unaware of the events in this case. The MAG ruled on Thursday that the findings of the investigation fully confirm Erez's assertion.