An IDF operation in a PA village in Shomron to apprehend wanted suspects was called off after officials learned that one of the soldiers scheduled to take part informed his friends of his imminent participation in the operation, naming the village targeted in the operation.

Division Commander Brigadier-General Nitzan Alon called off the operation, fearing the mission may have been compromised and moving ahead would place the troops at unnecessary risk. The mission was carried out at a later date. The soldier responsible for the mishap will be charged and placed on trial for his severe breach of military field security regulations.

Field security units routinely monitor Facebook and other internet social networks, in many cases revealing such innocent posts that compromise military security. Other cases have led to photos of classified bases and weaponry.

Intelligence units have warned repeatedly that Israel’s enemies frequent Facebook in the hope of learning about ongoing IDF activities, bases, weapons, equipment and anything that may facilitate carrying out attacks.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)