Soldiers (Illustrative)
Soldiers (Illustrative)Flash 90

An IDF soldier arrested for going absent without leave started a hunger strike last month. Now doctors say his life is at risk.

The soldier began his hunger strike 36 days ago. His health recently deteriorated and he was taken to the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.

He has refused medical treatment. Doctors warned that there is a real risk he could die.

He had asked to be released from the army due to his family’s financial difficulties, but his request was denied. Since then he has refused to eat, or to drink anything but water.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Office said in a statement, “The soldier in question is accused of going absent without leave… For reasons of privacy we cannot give details. We regret the way in which the soldier has chosen to fight this serious violation.”

“It should be noted that medical personnel have been keeping close track of his condition,” the statement added.