Top Israeli military lawyer arrested for leaking Palestinian abuse video
What's the story
Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, Israel's military advocate general, has been arrested after she admitted to leaking a video of soldiers allegedly abusing a Palestinian detainee. The video was leaked in August 2024 and broadcast by an Israeli news channel; it depicted the violent assault on the detainee at the Sde Teiman military detention center. The victim suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs and rectal damage.
Legal implications
Tomer-Yerushalmi's arrest raises concerns over rule of law in Israel
Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested on charges of fraud, breach of trust, abuse of office, obstruction of justice, and disclosure of official information. Her actions have been criticized by far-right politicians who accused her of damaging Israel's global standing and undermining state security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident "perhaps the most severe public relations attack that the state of Israel has experienced since its establishment."
Public reaction
Backlash against her intensified recently with demands for her resignation
After the video leak, five soldiers were charged with aggravated abuse and causing serious bodily harm but remain free, according to Israeli media. Since then, Tomer-Yerushalmi has refused to investigate other alleged war crimes due to public pressure, Haaretz reported. The backlash against her intensified recently with demands for her resignation and online threats. Despite these pressures, she maintained that leaking the video was an attempt to counter false propaganda against military law enforcement bodies.
Role examination
Role of Israel's military advocate general increasingly viewed as shield
The role of Israel's military advocate general has been increasingly viewed as a shield for soldiers against international prosecution. Prof Yagil Levy from the Institute for the Study of Civil-Military Relations at Israel's Open University noted that "the law is not upheld as a value in itself, but as a defense against international tribunals." He added, "This reflects a far weaker commitment to international law, with some on the right claiming that Israel is exempt from respecting it."