Top Israeli Military Lawyer Detained Amid Controversy Over Leaked Video of Soldiers Abusing Palestinian Detainee.
The military's top lawyer in Israel has been arrested and detained after admitting to leaking a video that showed Israeli soldiers allegedly attacking a Palestinian detainee. The leaked footage was released last week by the military advocate general, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who said it was done to "defuse attacks on military investigators."
Tomer-Yerushalmi's decision to release the footage came amid intense pressure from right-wing politicians and pundits who had been calling for soldiers detained over the case to be released. The video showed Israeli forces allegedly using anal rape as a form of torture against the Palestinian detainee.
Prosecutors have charged five soldiers with aggravated abuse and causing serious bodily harm in connection with the incident, but they are currently not in custody or under any legal restrictions. Tomer-Yerushalmi's decision to leak the footage has sparked controversy, with some accusing her of undermining Israel's global standing by pursuing the case.
Her detention on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, abuse of office, and other charges raises serious questions about accountability for human rights abuses in Israel. Critics argue that Tomer-Yerushalmi's actions reflect a broader failure to hold Israeli soldiers accountable for their actions during the recent conflict with Palestinians.
The incident has sparked fears for her safety, with protesters gathering outside her home and making personal threats against her. The case has also highlighted the challenges of holding those in power accountable when they are subject to intense pressure from right-wing politicians and pundits.
Israel's government and military have long seen an independent judiciary as a crucial barrier to international legal tribunals investigating Israel for alleged abuses against Palestinians. However, with Tomer-Yerushalmi's detention, this barrier is being tested.
				
			The military's top lawyer in Israel has been arrested and detained after admitting to leaking a video that showed Israeli soldiers allegedly attacking a Palestinian detainee. The leaked footage was released last week by the military advocate general, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who said it was done to "defuse attacks on military investigators."
Tomer-Yerushalmi's decision to release the footage came amid intense pressure from right-wing politicians and pundits who had been calling for soldiers detained over the case to be released. The video showed Israeli forces allegedly using anal rape as a form of torture against the Palestinian detainee.
Prosecutors have charged five soldiers with aggravated abuse and causing serious bodily harm in connection with the incident, but they are currently not in custody or under any legal restrictions. Tomer-Yerushalmi's decision to leak the footage has sparked controversy, with some accusing her of undermining Israel's global standing by pursuing the case.
Her detention on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, abuse of office, and other charges raises serious questions about accountability for human rights abuses in Israel. Critics argue that Tomer-Yerushalmi's actions reflect a broader failure to hold Israeli soldiers accountable for their actions during the recent conflict with Palestinians.
The incident has sparked fears for her safety, with protesters gathering outside her home and making personal threats against her. The case has also highlighted the challenges of holding those in power accountable when they are subject to intense pressure from right-wing politicians and pundits.
Israel's government and military have long seen an independent judiciary as a crucial barrier to international legal tribunals investigating Israel for alleged abuses against Palestinians. However, with Tomer-Yerushalmi's detention, this barrier is being tested.