Israeli police have detained a former high-ranking military legal officer following her resignation amidst 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 accepted by the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday.
The leaked security footage reportedly shows soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee, with the detainee being surrounded by soldiers holding a dog, obstructing the view with riot gear. The detainee, who was handcuffed, blindfolded, and cuffed at the hands and ankles, allegedly suffered severe injuries including a ruptured bowel, lung damage, and broken ribs, as per medical reports obtained by Israel’s Haaretz newspaper.
Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention was extended until Wednesday at a court hearing on Monday, where she faces allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. She is currently being held in a women’s prison in central Israel. Former chief military prosecutor Col. Matan Solomesh was also arrested, and his detention was extended.
Tomer-Yerushalmi had announced her resignation, stating she approved the leak of the video in August 2024. Defence Minister Israel Katz supported her resignation, emphasizing that anyone tarnishing IDF troops’ reputation is unsuitable to serve in the military.
The investigation into the abuse led to criminal charges against five soldiers and sparked outrage. Following break-ins at military compounds by protesters seeking troops involved in the case, a security camera video capturing the alleged abuse was leaked to N12 News.
Tomer-Yerushalmi defended her actions as an attempt to counter propaganda against the military’s legal department during the conflict. The leaked footage originated from the Sde Teiman detention camp, where detainees, including Hamas militants and Palestinians, were allegedly subjected to severe violence, including sexual assault.
Amid allegations of systematic prisoner abuse and torture, Israeli authorities deny the reports and are conducting investigations. Tomer-Yerushalmi’s resignation prompted calls for further inquiries into legal authorities. As part of a Gaza ceasefire, around 1,700 Gaza detainees were released in exchange for Israeli hostages, some of whom reported abuse during captivity.