Israeli Army’s Top Lawyer Resigns After Rape Evidence Leak
The resignation of Major-General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the Israeli military’s chief legal officer, has sparked discussion and controversy. This decision followed her admission to leaking footage that depicted the gang rape of a Palestinian prisoner at Sde Teiman prison in August of the previous year.
Details of the Incident
The leaked video, which emerged in the media in early August, detailed a harrowing incident involving soldiers abusing a blindfolded Palestinian detainee. In her resignation statement, Tomer-Yerushalmi cited intense pressure from right-wing factions regarding her investigation, describing her actions as a countermeasure against what she termed “false propaganda” targeting military law enforcement.
Allegations and Injuries
- Major-General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi leaked footage showing the gang rape incident.
- The victim sustained severe injuries, including a ruptured bowel and broken ribs, requiring surgical intervention.
- The original indictment referenced brutal physical assaults by the soldiers involved.
Response to the Leak and Arrests
A total of nine soldiers were detained in relation to this case, with legal action focusing on severe abuse rather than rape. In February, five soldiers were indicted, and the trial is currently ongoing. The United Nations has raised concerns about the reduced charges against the accused, suggesting this could lead to lenient sentencing.
Political Climate and Support for Soldiers
Right-wing politicians, including Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have been vocal in defending the soldiers. Ben-Gvir, in particular, pressured Tomer-Yerushalmi to abandon her investigation, reflecting a broader reluctance among Israeli leaders to confront these allegations directly. Some far-right politicians have characterized calls for accountability as unpatriotic.
Pervasive Violence at Sde Teiman
Reports indicate a troubling pattern of violence at Sde Teiman prison. Documentation provided with recently returned corpses showed numerous victims, including at least 135 mutilated bodies of Palestinians, many of whom exhibited signs of severe mistreatment.
Ongoing Violations
- Detainees were subjected to shackling, forced stress positions, and beatings.
- Incidents of sexual violence, including rape, and the use of electric shocks have been reported.
As the trial related to the abuses at Sde Teiman continues, Major-General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi’s resignation underscores the profound complexities at the intersection of military authority, legal responsibility, and human rights in Israel.
