A political tempest has been unleashed in Israel. Former military advocate general of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi admitted to leaking a video which purportedly depicts the abuse of a Palestinian detainee. The event took place at the Sde Teiman military base in July 2024. It was condemned across the political spectrum and led to more than a dozen arrests in the military. Tomar-Yerushalmi’s actions have raised troubling questions about the rules of engagement and whether Israeli forces are following a code of conduct. Their advocacy has brought to light the gross abuses of human rights and military accountability.
In her letter of resignation, Tomer-Yerushalmi stated that she had decided to leak the video. She referenced her growing fears for Israel’s standing before the world, particularly in the UN. Her confession has produced a criminal investigation by the IDF to find out who leaked the information. Today, she faces very heavy accusations as to fraud, abuse of office, and communicating official information. As the political fallout progresses, nine soldiers have been arrested on suspicion of egregious abuse related to this incident.
The Allegations and Their Impact
The abuse to the Palestinian detainee caused him critical injuries that required major surgery. According to prison sources, he was found bleeding from his rectum. An alarming conclusion This shocking finding should increase alarm and outrage at the horrific abuse he endured at the hands of those charged to protect and serve human rights. The IDF has announced a criminal inquiry into the circumstances around the leaked video. We are glad this announcement demonstrates the gravity of the situation.
Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi’s decision to leak the video was driven by her conviction that it was necessary to reveal widespread malpractices within the military. She stated, “Don’t they understand we had no choice [in leaking the video]? That the only way to address the wave of international legal proceedings is by proving we can investigate ourselves?” She thinks that the then-unprecedented level of transparency will help returning Israel’s military operations to baseline credibility. This notion comes at a time of intense pressure from the international community.
The political response has been intense. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the leak as “the most severe propaganda attack” against Israel, warning it could inflict “enormous reputational damage to Israel, to the IDF and to our soldiers.” The fallout from this incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into not only the actions depicted in the video but into how such misconduct could go unchecked within military ranks.
Reactions from Political Leaders
Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned Tomer-Yerushalmi’s move. Eli Cohen, a prominent political figure, accused her of betrayal, stating, “Instead of that, she stabbed them in the back.” He further labeled her actions as treasonous, saying, “In this case, we are talking about treason,” highlighting the perceived disloyalty involved in exposing military personnel involved in combat operations.
President Isaac Herzog chimed in on the tempest. He urged for a measured approach amid rising tensions, stating, “Words that spiral out of control ignite a dangerous fire and endanger lives.” Herzog emphasized the need for humanity and sensitivity in dealing with serious allegations. He warned that we need to go about the discussion of what happened very sensitively.
Even the ostensibly pro-Israel Israel Democracy Institute weighed in, sounding the alarm on accountability within the IDF. They stated, “The video leak and the allegations of cover-up and deception cannot serve as an excuse for failing to investigate or prosecute soldiers for violations of IDF orders and the law of armed conflict.” This declaration highlights an important and fateful moment for military justice in Israel, where public confidence is at stake.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Sentiment
Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested and put in solitary confinement on Sunday night after investigators found her abandoned vehicle in Herzliya. Israeli security forces have mobilized massive resources to find her. Federal authorities are reportedly investigating her actions extensively. They are looking to reveal just how baked in the culture of abuse is within military operations.
Public sentiment surrounding this scandal remains divided. On the one hand, everybody sees Tomer-Yerushalmi’s behavior as a bold effort to uncover illegal activity. Conversely, conspirators’ defenders claim that leaking sensitive information threatens military readiness and national security. Either way, this dichotomy points to larger societal conversations about the nature of accountability and ethics within military operations.
As investigations are continuing, more details about the alleged abuse and Tomer-Yerushalmi’s motivations for leaking the video as well are becoming available. This shocking incident has far-reaching implications for Israeli politics and its military establishment.
