Israel's military says it has reprimanded a soldier who posted photos of himself naked - with a rifle concealing his genitals - and making derogatory comments about Arabs on social media sites.

Capt. Eytan Buchman, a military spokesman, described the incident as "severe" and said Wednesday that the soldier's conduct is still being investigated.

The soldier published the material on his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. The images were then published on "Electronic Intifada," a pro-Palestinian website. It quoted the soldier's Facebook status as saying he just joined the army "to beat up terrorists."

It was the latest in a string of incidents in which soldiers have posted inappropriate material online.

Palestinians say it reflects widespread contempt that Israeli soldiers have for them.