Israel Military Advocate General Resigns After Admitting to Leaking Abuse Video
The Israel Defense Forces’ top lawyer, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, resigned today, acknowledging she authorized the leak of a surveillance video depicting alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention facility.
Tomer-Yerushalmi had been on leave since a criminal investigation began earlier this week regarding the leaked video, which surfaced in August 2024 and purportedly shows soldiers mistreating a detainee. She submitted her resignation letter to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir this morning, stating she approved the release of the material “in an attempt to counter the false propaganda directed against the military law enforcement authorities.” She added, “I bear full responsibility for any material that was released to the media from within the unit,” and that this responsibility led to her decision to step down.
Defense Minister Israel Katz initially stated Tomer-Yerushalmi would be dismissed, later commenting, “Anyone who spreads blood libels against IDF soldiers is not worthy of wearing the IDF uniform.” However, it remains unclear if Katz has the authority to dismiss military officers. The leaked footage prompted an earlier indictment against five reserve soldiers for the alleged abuse, and the incident has fueled significant political debate regarding detainee treatment and military justice. Further information about the ongoing conflict can be found at the Council on Foreign Relations.
The investigation into the leak originated with a failed polygraph test administered by the Shin Bet security agency to a spokesperson in Tomer-Yerushalmi’s office. Zamir has stated he is confident a thorough investigation will be conducted, and will act to stabilize the Military Advocate General’s office and protect IDF soldiers. The IDF is currently working to appoint an acting military advocate general, a process overseen by the defense minister, following recommendations from the chief of staff. You can read more about the role of the Military Advocate General on the IDF website.
Officials stated the investigation will continue, and the focus will now shift to stabilizing the Military Advocate General’s office and ensuring a fair and transparent legal process.
