Israeli Military Prosecutor Arrested After Leaking Abuse Video

Israel’s military prosecutor, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, was arrested following her admission to leaking a video that allegedly shows Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention camp. Tomer-Yerushalmi, who resigned on September 29, 2023, accepted full responsibility for the leak and faces multiple charges, including abuse of office and breach of trust.

The video, which gained widespread attention after being aired by Israel’s Channel 12 in August 2024, provoked significant international backlash. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the leak as “the most serious public-relations attack” against Israel to date. Tomer-Yerushalmi stated that her intent was to combat allegations that the military prioritized the rights of Palestinian detainees over those of Israeli soldiers.

In her resignation letter, she emphasized the military’s obligation to investigate any reasonable suspicions of violence against detainees. “Unfortunately, this basic understanding — that there are actions which must never be taken even against the vilest of detainees — no longer convinces everyone,” she expressed, as reported by various Israeli media outlets.

The leaked footage depicted a blindfolded Palestinian detainee lying among other prisoners at the notorious detention facility in the Negev desert. The detainee was later singled out and taken to a corner, where several soldiers appeared to surround him while using shields for protection. Israeli media reported that he was subsequently hospitalized with severe rib injuries so serious that he was reportedly unable to walk.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for the United Nations described the footage as “shocking.” The incident sparked major protests within Israel, particularly in support of the soldiers involved, leading to the arrest of multiple members of the Israel Defense Forces’ Unit 100, including a captain and a major. Five reservists were charged with aggravated abuse and inflicting serious bodily harm, with allegations that they used a “sharp object” to stab the detainee.

On October 2, 2023, it was revealed that the detainee had been released as part of a prisoner-hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue, highlighting the ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding military conduct and human rights in the region.

Netanyahu has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the leak, emphasizing the need for clarity in the matter. The implications of these events continue to resonate both within Israel and internationally, as various stakeholders seek accountability and transparency.