Israeli authorities have apprehended a former high-ranking military legal officer following her resignation amidst a criminal investigation into a leaked video allegedly showing soldiers mistreating a Palestinian detainee. Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was taken into custody on Sunday night, as confirmed by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Tuesday. Her resignation, which was officially accepted by the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday, came in the wake of the leaked security camera footage depicting the alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee.
The video purportedly shows soldiers engaging in abusive behavior towards the detainee, who was restrained and blindfolded. The victim reportedly sustained severe injuries, including a ruptured bowel, lung damage, and broken ribs, as documented by medical reports. Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention was extended until Wednesday following a court hearing, where she faces charges such as fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice.
A search was launched for Tomer-Yerushalmi after her family raised safety concerns and her abandoned vehicle was discovered near a Tel Aviv beach. Former chief military prosecutor Col. Matan Solomesh was also arrested, and both individuals had their detention prolonged. Tomer-Yerushalmi cited her approval of the video’s release in August 2024 as the reason for her resignation, a decision that garnered approval from Defence Minister Israel Katz.
The inquiry into the abuse has led to criminal charges against five soldiers and sparked outrage. Tomer-Yerushalmi has defended her actions as an effort to combat misinformation targeting the military’s legal department during the conflict. Reports of abuse within the Sde Teiman detention camp, including allegations of severe violence and torture, have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees.
Israeli authorities deny systematic abuse allegations, stating that investigations are ongoing. Tomer-Yerushalmi emphasized the importance of investigating suspected abuse, even when dealing with detainees labeled as terrorists. Her resignation prompted calls for further inquiries into legal authorities and drew attention to the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
