Jerusalem, 8 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Around 100 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recruits have reportedly fallen ill with gastrointestinal symptoms at a military training base, suffering from stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The outbreak has raised concerns about a possible foodborne illness or infectious disease spreading among soldiers living in close quarters.
The affected personnel are stationed at Camp 80 (Dotan Training Base) near Pardes Hana. Some recruits reportedly complained that tap water at the base had turned brown and developed a metallic taste, forcing them to buy bottled water at their own expense.
One soldier described overcrowding at the base clinic, with some recruits unable to receive medical attention before being sent back to their schedules. Some soldiers were reportedly sent home, while others were ordered to rest in their quarters.
The IDF rejected allegations of contaminated water or food, saying its investigation determined that the outbreak involved a contagious illness.
