Israeli police arrested a former high-ranking legal officer of the military shortly after her resignation following a criminal investigation into a leaked video allegedly showing soldiers mistreating a Palestinian detainee. Major General 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 officially accepted by the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) last Friday.
The leaked security footage purportedly shows the abuse of a Palestinian detainee, with soldiers surrounding him while holding a dog, obstructing the view with riot gear. The detainee, who was handcuffed, blindfolded, and restrained at the hands and ankles, reportedly suffered severe injuries, including a ruptured bowel, lung damage, a severe injury to his anus, and broken ribs, as per medical reports from Israel’s Haaretz newspaper.
Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention was extended until Wednesday during a court hearing on Monday, where she faces allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice. An ongoing investigation is being conducted while she remains in a women’s prison in central Israel.
After concerns were raised by her family about her safety and her abandoned car was found near a Tel Aviv beach, police initiated a search for Tomer-Yerushalmi. Former chief military prosecutor Col. Matan Solomesh was also arrested, with his detention extended as well.
Tomer-Yerushalmi admitted to approving the leak of the video in August 2024, prompting her resignation. Defence Minister Israel Katz welcomed her decision, stating that anyone tarnishing the reputation of IDF troops is unfit to serve.
The investigation into the abuse has led to criminal charges against five soldiers and sparked public outrage. The leaked footage originated from the Sde Teiman detention camp, where detainees, including Hamas militants and Palestinians captured during the conflict, were allegedly subjected to severe violence and mistreatment.
Various human rights groups have criticized the treatment of detainees, alleging systematic abuse and torture by Israeli authorities. The IDF has denied these allegations and is conducting investigations into multiple cases of reported abuse. Despite referring to the detainees as “terrorists of the worst kind,” Tomer-Yerushalmi emphasized the importance of investigating all suspected abuses.
Ben-Gvir welcomed Tomer-Yerushalmi’s resignation and called for further inquiries into legal authorities. He also posted a video of himself in an Israeli jail with bound Palestinian prisoners, whom he labeled as attackers deserving the death penalty. Following the recent Gaza ceasefire, around 1,700 Gaza detainees were released in exchange for Israeli hostages, some of whom reported mistreatment during their captivity.