Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) top military lawyer, has resigned after approving the release of a video allegedly showing Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman. The footage, which surfaced in August 2024, reportedly depicts soldiers surrounding a man with riot shields while conducting the alleged abuse, resulting in serious injuries. Tomer-Yerushalmi stated in her resignation letter, published by The Times of Israel, that she authorized the leak to counter false propaganda against the military, despite the controversy it has sparked over legal integrity and accountability.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, particularly as both sides continue to maintain their commitment to a US-brokered truce. The Sde Teiman military base, which partially functions as a detention camp for Palestinians suspected of militant activity, has faced allegations of widespread torture and abuse. Over 1,000 detainees from Gaza have reportedly passed through the facility, including men accused of participating in Hamas’ October 7 attack, which left over 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. According to Hamas-controlled Gaza health authorities, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 68,000 Palestinians since the conflict began.
Following the incident, five reservists were charged with aggravated abuse and causing serious bodily harm to a detainee; however, they have denied the allegations. The case has sparked outrage among coalition politicians and right-wing activists, with dozens of protesters storming the military base in an attempt to block the arrests. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, commented, stating, ‘Anyone who spreads blood libels against IDF soldiers is not worthy of wearing the IDF uniform,’ highlighting the political and social implications of the episode.
Meanwhile, the resignation of Tomer-Yerushalmi adds to the growing scrutiny of the IDF’s legal framework and its handling of disciplinary actions. Her decision to approve the leak has raised questions about the balance between transparency and the protection of legal procedures within the military system. This situation underscores the complex ethical and legal challenges faced by military officials in high-stakes environments, where the line between counter-narrative and unlawful conduct becomes blurred.