The Israeli government has filed a civil lawsuit seeking more than one million shekels from former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) company commander Ofir Menachem, following his conviction for sexual offenses against soldiers under his command. The suit, lodged Monday in Nazareth Magistrate’s Court on behalf of the Defense Ministry, aims to recover public funds spent and anticipated to be spent as a result of Menachem’s misconduct.

Menachem, who served as a captain in the IDF, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to a range of sexual offenses involving two female subordinates. The charges included exploitation of authority in military service, sexual harassment through abuse of that authority, and conduct unbecoming an officer. He was subsequently sentenced in February 2025 to 22 months in prison, reduced to 18 months on appeal in May 2025, demoted to the rank of private, and ordered to pay NIS 38,000 in compensation to the victims.

Prosecutors characterized the civil claim as unprecedented. It contends that Menachem’s role as a commander imposed an elevated duty to safeguard the trust and well-being of those under his leadership. Instead, the state alleges, he abused his position of power to exploit the two female soldiers, violating both their rights and public confidence in the military institution.

Details from the military appeals judgment reveal a pattern of behavior in which Menachem intertwined sexual advances with discussions about military service and leave requests. One soldier recounted seeking permission for regular evenings at home, only to encounter inappropriate sexual comments and questions from Menachem during their interaction. She felt compelled to endure the advances to secure approval and feared potential repercussions if she resisted. The judgment also notes that Menachem told the women they were competing for the same position, further complicating the power dynamics.

The original indictment against Menachem was filed in September 2023. Following a period of mediation, his guilty plea helped spare the victims from having to testify during trial, a factor the military appeals court cited when reducing his prison sentence. Other sanctions imposed by the court were maintained.

The current civil lawsuit draws directly from the criminal findings and asserts the state’s right to seek financial recovery linked to the harm caused. Specifically, the government aims to recoup benefits paid to Menachem and anticipate future payments tied to his conduct. Any recovered funds are to be returned to the public treasury.