Israel Police Conclude Probe Into IDF’s Former Top Attorney Over Sde Teiman Leak

The Israel Police have concluded their investigation into former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi over the high-profile leak of security footage from the Sde Teiman detention facility. The footage, which showed alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee by IDF reservists, ignited national controversy and placed the military legal system under unprecedented scrutiny.

In a statement released Tuesday, Police Commissioner Daniel Levi directed the police’s legal adviser to notify the Justice Ministry of potential conflict-of-interest concerns in the case. Levi also recommended appointing an external senior professional to independently review the findings, citing the “high public sensitivity” of the matter.

Until such an external body is formally appointed, the police will withhold investigative material from Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, in line with a position adopted by the High Court of Justice. This pause is intended to ensure neutrality and avoid further politicization of the process, the police said.

The investigation into Tomer-Yerushalmi stems from a July 2024 incident in which IDF soldiers allegedly beat a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman facility during the early months of the Gaza war. Though the abuse was being investigated internally, the release of CCTV footage to the media the following month authorized by Tomer-Yerushalmi herself sparked public outcry and inflamed political tensions.

The footage’s broadcast, despite ongoing legal proceedings, drew fierce criticism from coalition lawmakers, who accused the IDF’s legal apparatus of selectively targeting soldiers and harming morale. The backlash led to a separate criminal probe into how the footage was obtained and whether its release violated legal or ethical boundaries.

Tomer-Yerushalmi defended her decision, stating that the release was meant to counter disinformation and demonstrate that the military was taking misconduct seriously. However, her admission put her in the crosshairs of a criminal investigation, making her the first sitting military attorney general to face such scrutiny over prosecutorial decisions.

Following the controversy, Tomer-Yerushalmi stepped down from her position. Police say the external review will determine whether additional investigative steps are required, if more witnesses or suspects should be summoned, or if indictments are warranted.

Police Commissioner Levi underscored that the case must be handled carefully and transparently, adding that he had reviewed all relevant issues with the investigation team. “Contrary to inaccurate reports, the police commissioner did not interfere in the investigative work,” the police clarified.

This case has grown from a single abuse allegation into a wider debate about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of Israel’s military legal system during wartime. As the external review proceeds, all eyes will be on how the justice system balances national security with democratic oversight.

Follow for more in-depth updates on Israel’s justice and security developments share this article and subscribe to our newsletter.