Israel’s Top Military Lawyer Arrested Amidst Leaks and Allegations of Obstruction
Israel’s military advocate general, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, was arrested today after admitting to leaking video footage of soldiers allegedly assaulting a Palestinian detainee and subsequently misleading the country’s high court regarding her actions.
Tomer-Yerushalmi disclosed in a resignation letter last week that she authorized the video’s publication to counter attacks on military investigators and prosecutors involved in the case. The arrest, confirmed by Israeli media, centers on suspicions of fraud and breach of trust, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and unlawful disclosure of official information. This development comes after a July 2024 raid on the Sde Teiman military detention center, notorious for allegations of torture, led to the detention of eleven soldiers suspected of violently assaulting a Palestinian from Gaza, including reports of anal rape. The victim sustained severe injuries, including broken ribs and a punctured lung, according to the indictment.
The case has ignited a political firestorm, with right-wing politicians and commentators defending the detained soldiers and attacking the investigation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that “The incident in Sde Teiman caused immense damage to the image of the state of Israel and the IDF,” adding that it represented a significant public relations challenge for the nation. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding accountability for alleged abuses committed during the conflict in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed in attacks and airstrikes over the past two years, according to UN data. Tomer-Yerushalmi reportedly ceased advancing investigations into other potential war crimes due to the intense public pressure, as reported by Haaretz.
Yesterday, concerns for Tomer-Yerushalmi’s safety arose when she was briefly reported missing, with her car found abandoned near Tel Aviv and a note inside; she was quickly located. The defense minister, Israel Katz, has since accused her of “spreading blood libels.” This case raises questions about the independence of Israel’s judiciary and its ability to investigate potential war crimes, a factor that could influence international legal proceedings.
Authorities have stated they will continue their investigation and pursue justice in this matter.
