Neutral Summary: The Sde Teiman Leak and Its Aftermath

Israeli military’s ex-top lawyer arrested over leak of video allegedly showing Palestinian detainee abuse

Sebastian UsherMiddle East analyst, Jerusalem

Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi resigned on Friday, admitting her role in leaking the video

The former top lawyer in the Israeli military has been arrested, as a political showdown deepens over the leaking of a video that allegedly shows severe abuse of a Palestinian detainee by Israeli soldiers.

Maj Gen Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi resigned as the Military Advocate General of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) last week, saying that she took full responsibility for the leak.

On Sunday, the story took a darker turn when she was reported as missing, with police mounting an hours-long search for her on a beach north of Tel Aviv.

She was subsequently found alive and well, police said, but was then taken into custody.

• Incident: A video allegedly showing the abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman military detention facility was leaked in late October 2025. The footage reportedly depicted disturbing scenes of mistreatment, including sexual violence.
• Source of Leak: Major-General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the IDF’s Military Advocate General, admitted to leaking the footage. She resigned shortly after, citing moral and legal concerns. Her resignation letter emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in military conduct.
• Political Reaction: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the leak as “the most dangerous propaganda attack in Israel’s history,” arguing that it undermines national security and emboldens hostile narratives.
• Public Response: The leak triggered widespread debate across Israeli society. Some viewed Tomer-Yerushalmi’s actions as courageous whistleblowing, while others saw it as betrayal. Protests erupted both in support of detainee rights and in defense of the military’s integrity.
• Unverified Claims: Rumors circulated online that Tomer-Yerushalmi had disappeared and left behind a death note. As of now, these claims remain unconfirmed by credible news outlets.

Commentary: Navigating Truth, Accountability, and Propaganda

This incident sits at the crossroads of ethics, national security, and public trust:

• Transparency vs. Loyalty: Tomer-Yerushalmi’s decision to leak the video raises difficult questions about the role of military officials in exposing internal abuses. Is loyalty to the institution paramount, or does justice demand transparency—even at great personal cost?
• Propaganda or Truth-Telling?: Netanyahu’s framing of the leak as “propaganda” reflects a broader concern about how internal scandals can be weaponized by adversaries. Yet, labeling whistleblowing as propaganda risks silencing legitimate calls for reform.
• The Role of Media and Public Discourse: The public’s reaction—ranging from outrage to support—highlights the importance of a free press and civil society in scrutinizing power. The truth must be protected, but so must the institutions that uphold national stability.
• Unverified Claims and Digital Misinformation: The spread of rumors about Tomer-Yerushalmi’s disappearance underscores the dangers of misinformation. In emotionally charged situations, facts must be carefully separated from speculation.

Updated Timeline Based on BBC Reporting

• Sunday Incident: According to BBC News, Israeli police launched an hours-long search for Major-General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi after she was reported missing near a beach north of Tel Aviv.
• Outcome: She was later found alive and well, but was taken into custody by authorities. The reasons for her detention have not been fully disclosed, though it likely relates to the ongoing investigation into the leaked video.
• Public Concern: Her temporary disappearance and subsequent arrest have intensified public scrutiny, with some speculating about her mental state and the pressures she faced.

What This Means

• Confirms the seriousness of the leak: The fact that the military’s top legal officer was both the source of the leak and later detained underscores internal turmoil within the Israeli defense establishment.
• Raises ethical and legal questions: Was her leak an act of conscience, or a breach of national security? Her disappearance and custody suggest she may be facing severe consequences.
• Amplifies political tension: Netanyahu’s framing of the leak as “propaganda” now sits alongside a real human drama—one involving a high-ranking official who may have risked everything to expose abuse.