Israeli authorities have detained a former high-ranking military legal officer following her resignation amid a criminal investigation into a leaked video allegedly showing soldiers mistreating a Palestinian detainee. Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was arrested 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 reportedly shows soldiers subjecting a Palestinian detainee to severe mistreatment, including using a dog and riot gear to obscure their actions. The detainee, who was restrained and blindfolded at the time, suffered serious injuries such as a ruptured bowel, damaged lungs, and broken ribs, as per medical reports revealed by Israel’s Haaretz newspaper last year.
During a court hearing on Monday, Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention was extended until Wednesday on suspicion of various offenses, including fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. The investigation is ongoing, and she is currently being held in a women’s prison in central Israel.
Following concerns raised by her family about her safety, a search was launched for Tomer-Yerushalmi after her abandoned car was found near a beach in Tel Aviv. She was located shortly after the search commenced. Additionally, former chief military prosecutor Col. Matan Solomesh was also arrested, and his detention was extended, according to Israeli media reports.
Tomer-Yerushalmi attributed her resignation to her approval of the video’s leak in August 2024. After her resignation was accepted, Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the decision, stating that individuals who malign IDF troops are not fit to wear the army’s uniform.
The investigation into the abuse led to criminal charges against five soldiers and sparked outrage. Right-wing politicians denounced the inquiry, leading to protesters storming two military compounds where troops were being questioned. The victim of the alleged abuse in the video was released and returned to Gaza, as documented by the military prosecutor’s office.
Tomer-Yerushalmi defended her actions as an effort to counter misinformation targeting the military’s legal department. The leaked footage originated from the Sde Teiman detention camp, where detainees, including Hamas militants and Palestinians held without charge, reportedly faced severe mistreatment. Reports from human rights organizations have accused Israel of systematic prisoner abuse and torture, which the IDF denies.
Tomer-Yerushalmi emphasized the importance of investigating suspected abuse, even when dealing with detainees deemed as serious offenders. Her resignation prompted calls for further inquiries into legal authorities by officials. Amid ongoing tensions, the release of Gaza detainees in exchange for Israeli hostages has highlighted allegations of torture and abuse during captivity.