The Military Courts Unit (Hebrew: יחידת בתי הדין הצבאיים), also known as the 205th Unit, is the judicial authority of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It operates the system of military courts established under the Military Justice Law of 1955, and is responsible for adjudicating cases involving soldiers, officers, career service members, and in certain cases civilians subject to military jurisdiction.
History
The first IDF military trial took place in June 1948, shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel. The Military Courts Unit was formally organized later, and its jurisdiction and procedures were codified in the Military Justice Law of 1955.
Special Military Court – cases involving senior officers.
Naval Military Court – cases involving naval personnel.
Field Military Court (Hebrew: בית דין שדה) – convened during wartime for urgent proceedings.
Military Court of Appeals – the highest court in the system. Its rulings are subject to review by the Supreme Court of Israel.
Role and jurisdiction
The Military Courts Unit enforces discipline and law within the IDF, hearing cases ranging from disciplinary violations to serious crimes. Its decisions are legally binding, and the courts are regarded as independent under Israeli law.
