Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the top military advocate general of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), resigned after admitting she approved the leak of a graphic surveillance video showing alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention center.
A video that emerged in August 2024 has sparked widespread outrage and led to a criminal investigation into both the alleged abuse it depicts and the circumstances of its leak. The footage reportedly shows detainees enduring harsh physical abuse, which resulted in one individual suffering broken ribs and internal injuries. Despite charges being brought against five reservists connected to the incident, there remains criticism that the response has not adequately addressed higher-ranking officers or systemic issues within the military.
In the wake of the video’s release, Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the top lawyer for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has resigned. In her resignation letter to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Tomer-Yerushalmi expressed her unwavering dedication to the rule of law throughout her 30-year military service. She admitted to authorizing the video’s leak, intending to counter what she called “false propaganda” against military law enforcement. Acknowledging full responsibility for the leak, she stated that this influenced her decision to step down.
Tomer-Yerushalmi faced significant backlash for her actions, particularly from political figures like Defense Minister Israel Katz, who accused her of damaging the IDF’s reputation. In response, the IDF swiftly accepted her resignation and appointed an acting military advocate to restore stability and morale within the legal unit.
While Tomer-Yerushalmi’s decision was intended to uphold legal norms and promote transparency, her resignation highlights a broader issue of unaddressed abuses and the protection of wrongdoers within the military’s ranks. As the Sde Teiman detention center continues its operations, there are lingering questions about the justice afforded to victims and the accountability of those in command.
While Tomer-Yerushalmi’s actions were framed as protecting legal norms and transparency, the resignation spotlights a broader failure in addressing abuses and the shielding of offenders within the military framework. As the Sde Teiman detention center continues to operate, questions remain about justice for the victims and accountability within the ranks.
