Israeli authorities have detained a former high-ranking military legal officer following her resignation in connection with a leaked video allegedly showing soldiers mistreating a Palestinian detainee. Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested on Sunday night, as confirmed by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Her resignation had been accepted by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of staff on Friday.
The leaked security footage reportedly shows soldiers sodomizing a Palestinian detainee who was handcuffed, blindfolded, and surrounded by soldiers with a dog. The victim allegedly suffered severe injuries, including a ruptured bowel, lung damage, and broken ribs, requiring hospitalization for surgery.
During a court hearing, Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention was extended until Wednesday on charges of fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. She is currently held in a women’s prison in central Israel.
The police launched a search for Tomer-Yerushalmi after her family expressed concerns for her safety and her abandoned car was found near a Tel Aviv beach. Former chief military prosecutor Col. Matan Solomesh was also arrested, and his detention was extended.
Tomer-Yerushalmi attributed her resignation to approving the video’s leak in August 2024. Defense Minister Israel Katz supported her decision, stating that those who tarnish the IDF’s reputation are not fit to serve.
The abuse investigation led to criminal charges against five soldiers and sparked public outrage. Right-wing politicians condemned the inquiry, leading to protests at military facilities. The victim in the video was eventually released and returned to Gaza.
Allegations of widespread abuse within the Sde Teiman detention camp, including violence with attack dogs and sexual assault, prompted calls for its closure. Reports from human rights groups accused Israel of systematic prisoner abuse and torture, which the IDF vehemently denied.
Tomer-Yerushalmi defended her actions as necessary to combat propaganda against the military’s legal system. Politicians called for further investigations into legal authorities following her resignation.
The situation remains tense as the fallout from the abuse allegations continues to unfold.