Israeli authorities have detained a former high-ranking military legal officer following her recent resignation in the midst of a criminal investigation regarding a leaked video purportedly 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 was formally accepted by the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday.
The leaked security footage allegedly captures the mistreatment of a Palestinian detainee, where soldiers are observed surrounding the detainee with a dog while concealing their actions with riot gear. The detainee, who was handcuffed, blindfolded, and restrained at the time, reportedly suffered severe injuries including a ruptured bowel, damaged anus, lung injuries, and broken ribs, requiring hospitalization.
During a court session on Monday, the judge ruled to extend Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention until Wednesday, citing suspicions of offenses such as fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. The investigation is ongoing while she remains confined in a women’s prison in central Israel.
Authorities launched a search for Tomer-Yerushalmi after her family expressed safety concerns and her abandoned vehicle was discovered near a Tel Aviv beach. Former chief military prosecutor Col. Matan Solomesh was also apprehended, and his detention was extended, according to Israeli media reports.
Tomer-Yerushalmi explained her resignation by acknowledging her approval of the video’s release in August 2024. Following the acceptance of her resignation, Defence Minister Israel Katz commended the decision, emphasizing that individuals tarnishing the reputation of IDF personnel are unsuitable for military service.
The investigation into the abuse allegations resulted in criminal charges against five soldiers, sparking controversy and prompting protests. The leaked video depicting the alleged abuse led to an uproar and widespread condemnation, with right-wing politicians expressing outrage.
The mistreatment allegations originated from the Sde Teiman detention camp, where Hamas militants involved in a previous attack and other Palestinian detainees were reportedly subjected to severe violence and mistreatment. Reports from human rights organizations have accused Israel of systematic prisoner abuse and torture, which the IDF has vehemently denied.
Tomer-Yerushalmi defended her actions as an effort to combat misinformation against the military’s legal department, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. The development has spurred calls for further inquiries into legal authorities and has reignited discussions on the treatment of detainees in Israeli facilities.
As part of a recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, around 1,700 Gaza detainees were released in exchange for Israeli hostages, some of whom have alleged mistreatment and torture during their captivity.
