In a major development stirring political and military debate in Israel, former chief military lawyer Major General (ret.) Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi has been arrested over allegations that she leaked a video showing Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee. Her arrest coincided with the return of 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, marking a tense and symbolic moment in the ongoing conflict.
Authorities confirmed that Tomer-Yerushalmi, who previously served as the Israeli Defense Forces’ top legal officer, is being investigated for allegedly disclosing classified material, fraud, and breach of trust. The leaked footage, which circulated widely last year, appeared to show severe mistreatment of a Palestinian man detained at the Sde Teiman facility. The incident had led to charges against several reservist soldiers for abuse and prompted widespread public outrage.
Police found the former general’s vehicle abandoned near a beach before she was taken into custody. She reportedly told investigators that she released the footage to expose what she described as “moral failures” within the military detention system. However, prosecutors argue that her actions compromised national security and violated her legal oath of confidentiality.
Adding to the political tension, former chief military prosecutor Colonel (ret.) Matan Solomesh has also been detained in connection with the same leak. The arrests have intensified debate over accountability and transparency within Israel’s military legal system, already under scrutiny due to the war in Gaza.
At the same time, Israel handed over the bodies of 45 Palestinians to Gaza authorities, including victims of recent airstrikes and combat operations. The transfer took place under heightened security as families in Gaza gathered to receive the remains. The exchange came amid renewed diplomatic efforts to broker short-term humanitarian arrangements and reduce hostilities.
The simultaneous developments highlight Israel’s complex internal and external challenges — balancing legal ethics, military secrecy, and human rights concerns while navigating the ongoing conflict. Analysts say the scandal could reshape how Israel handles allegations of misconduct by its forces, as the nation faces growing international pressure over its wartime actions.
As investigations continue, public opinion in Israel remains divided. Some view Tomer-Yerushalmi as a whistleblower who exposed abuse in the name of justice, while others see her as having betrayed national trust during a time of war. Whatever the outcome, the case underscores the deep strains within Israel’s institutions as the war in Gaza grinds on and questions of legality, morality, and accountability become ever more pressing.
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