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Ex-Military Legal Chief Detained Following Controversial Abuse Video Leak
On Monday, November 3, Israeli authorities confirmed the arrest of Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the former military advocate general, amid a growing scandal involving a leaked video that allegedly depicts Israeli soldiers mistreating a Palestinian detainee. This development follows a weekend marked by her sudden resignation and a brief disappearance that sparked intense speculation across Israeli media outlets.
Resignation and Disappearance Spark Concern
Tomer-Yerushalmi stepped down from her position on Friday, November 1, after admitting in her resignation letter that her office had been responsible for releasing the contentious footage to the press the previous year. The video, recorded at the Sde Teiman military base, reportedly shows soldiers engaging in abusive behavior toward a Palestinian prisoner detained during the Gaza conflict.
Her disappearance on Sunday, November 2, lasting several hours, led to widespread rumors of a possible suicide attempt. Authorities later suggested that she may have deliberately vanished to dispose of her mobile phone, which could contain incriminating evidence. Reports also emerged of a note left behind, interpreted by some as a suicide letter.
Details of the Abuse and Legal Proceedings
Following the leak, five reservist soldiers faced charges in 2024, including severe physical assault on the detainee. Prosecutors detailed that the victim suffered grave injuries such as fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and an internal rectal tear caused by stabbing with a sharp object near the rectal area. The abuse reportedly took place on July 5, 2024, during a search operation at the Sde Teiman base, where the detainee was blindfolded and handcuffed before being taken aside and attacked.
In response to these allegations, a Tel Aviv court has ordered Tomer-Yerushalmi to remain in custody until Wednesday noon, charging her with fraud, breach of trust, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and unauthorized disclosure of information. Another military prosecution official is also implicated in the ongoing investigation.
Official Responses and Calls for Accountability
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir addressed the situation via Telegram, emphasizing enhanced security measures to protect the detainee in custody and underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive and professional inquiry. He stated, “It is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to reveal the complete truth behind the case that has led to serious allegations against IDF soldiers.”
The Israeli military confirmed Tomer-Yerushalmi’s resignation and reiterated its commitment to investigating the leaked footage, which was first aired by Channel 12 in August 2024. Although the video did not explicitly capture the abuse, it showed soldiers obstructing the camera’s view during the incident, fueling both domestic and international outrage.
International Reactions and Human Rights Concerns
The scandal has intensified global scrutiny of Israel’s military detention practices. A United Nations commission report published in October 2024 accused Israeli forces of subjecting thousands of detainees to “widespread and systematic abuse,” categorizing these actions as “war crimes and crimes against humanity involving torture.”
Israel has vehemently rejected these allegations, labeling the UN report as “outrageous” and affirming its adherence to international legal standards concerning detainee treatment. Despite this, the controversy has reignited vigorous debates within Israel regarding military ethics, transparency, and accountability amid the ongoing Gaza conflict triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
Broader Implications for Military Conduct and Public Trust
The arrest of Tomer-Yerushalmi and the surrounding revelations have deepened concerns about the integrity of Israel’s military justice system. The case highlights the challenges faced by the armed forces in maintaining discipline and upholding human rights standards during protracted conflicts. It also raises questions about the mechanisms in place to prevent and address abuses within military detention facilities.
As investigations continue, the situation remains a focal point for both national discourse and international human rights advocacy, underscoring the urgent need for transparent accountability and reform.
