Israel arrests military lawyer accused of leaking video showing alleged abuse of detainee

Key Concepts

• Sde Teiman Detention Camp: A facility in Israel where alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees occurred.
• Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi: The former Military Attorney General of Israel, who resigned and was subsequently arrested for allegedly leaking a video of abuse.
• Rule of Law: The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
• Military Advocate General's Corps: The body within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responsible for enforcing the law within IDF ranks and holding soldiers accountable for misconduct.
• Breaking the Silence: A left-wing organization of former Israeli soldiers advocating for accountability and transparency regarding the treatment of Palestinians.
• Dehumanization: The process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities.

Allegations of Abuse at Sde Teiman Detention Camp

The video transcript details allegations of severe abuse against a Palestinian detainee at Israel's Sde Teiman detention camp in July 2024. Footage aired on Israel's Channel 12 allegedly shows Israeli soldiers forcing a Palestinian prisoner into a corner and subjecting him to sexual assault behind riot shields for several minutes. This incident has reportedly stunned Israel due to both its content and its source.

Resignation and Arrest of Military Attorney General

Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, Israel's top military lawyer and Military Attorney General, resigned on Friday and subsequently admitted to releasing the video. She is now under arrest and facing prosecution for obstruction of justice, fraud, and abuse of office.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's Reaction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a "catastrophe," stating that it "caused immense damage to the image of the state of Israel and the IDF, to our soldiers." He characterized it as "perhaps the most severe public relations attack that the state of Israel has experienced since its establishment."

Context of Previous Charges and Protests

In the summer prior to the video's release, the soldiers involved were charged with abuse, though not sexual crimes. These charges prompted right-wing protests, with participants demanding the release of the soldiers and asserting that "Nobody will touch our soldiers, our brothers in arms."

Tomer-Yerushalmi's Rationale for Releasing the Video

Tomer-Yerushalmi stated that she released the video to ensure the public understood the seriousness of the charges. She has consistently argued that Israel benefits from adhering to the rule of law. In September 2023, she stated, "The IDF's international legitimacy efforts are greatly benefited by the aura, the protection, with which the justice system provides it."

Accusations Against Tomer-Yerushalmi

The reservists charged with abuse appeared publicly, accusing Tomer-Yerushalmi of conducting a "field trial on us in front of the cameras, as if you've already decided who's guilty." They vowed to "continue to fight for justice for ourselves, for everyone who came out in uniform and defended the home."

Tomer-Yerushalmi's Disappearance and Distress

Over the weekend, Tomer-Yerushalmi briefly went missing. Her abandoned car was found with a note, and she was later located on the beach, safe but in distress.

Crisis for the Rule of Law in Israel

Eran Shamir-Borer, Director at the Israel Democracy Institute and a former member of the Military Advocate General's office, described the situation as a "crisis for the rule of law in Israel." He explained that the Military Advocate General's Corps is responsible for enforcing the law within IDF ranks and holding soldiers accountable for violations, acting as a "beacon of justice and truth in the IDF."

Shock of the General's Involvement

Shamir-Borer expressed significant shock that the Military Attorney General herself was behind the leak and is now in detention. He noted the difficulty of running investigations against soldiers for misconduct during wartime and stated that the situation has evolved from holding soldiers accountable to a broader debate about the rule of law and IDF representation.

Systemic Issues with Detainee Treatment

When asked about systemic issues in the treatment of detainees, Shamir-Borer acknowledged that "much less is happening" in terms of accountability over time. He stated that while he doesn't believe it was a "black hole," Israel was "not treating them well in the first phases of the conflict."

Political Motivation Argument

Critics argue that Tomer-Yerushalmi is being prosecuted as a political tool. Joel Carmel, advocacy director of Breaking the Silence, suggested that the Israeli right is attempting to "make an example of her" to deter anyone from holding the government or decision-makers accountable, thereby imposing a "very clear price tag on speaking out."

Breaking the Silence's Perspective on Abuse

Joel Carmel argued that the core issue is not the video itself, but the alleged abuse. He described detainee treatment as including being forced to sit cross-legged all day, not move or speak, and being punished by holding hands over heads for prolonged periods. He referred to these conditions as "torture camps" and highlighted that "at least 70 people came into Sde Teiman alive and left dead," calling for thorough investigation.

Challenges and Importance of Breaking the Silence's Work

Carmel acknowledged that Breaking the Silence does not have a large constituency in Israel. He finds it important to continue their work because "No one likes a mirror being held up to them to talk about bad things that they or we as a society have done." He believes it is crucial for those who care about "very basic values. Jewish values." He expressed regret that "over so many years of occupation, we've reached this kind of level of dehumanization," but emphasized the necessity of continuing their advocacy.

Conclusion: A Test for Israel

The video and its fallout are presented as a test for how Israel treats its detainees, its own soldiers, and its commitment to the rule of law.