Former IDF Legal Chief Found Safe After Beachside Search

Former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was found safe on Sunday evening after being reported missing for several hours. Her car was discovered at Hatzuk Beach near Tel Aviv, prompting an extensive search operation involving police, rescue teams, and military personnel. Authorities located her along a beach in Herzliya after she contacted her husband.

Tomer-Yerushalmi had recently resigned following her admission to leaking a video that showed soldiers assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman detention facility. The footage, aired by Channel 12, depicted serious abuse and led to an internal military investigation. In her resignation letter, she stated that she leaked the video to counter criticism that the military was lenient toward Palestinian detainees and to emphasize the obligation to address abuse, even against adversaries.

The incident has sparked significant political debate. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Tomer-Yerushalmi would not be reinstated and promised further investigation into the matter. Human rights organizations have consistently criticized conditions at the Sde Teiman facility, citing reports of widespread abuse and prolonged detentions without trial.

President Isaac Herzog called for public restraint, urging people to "stop the accusations and mutual attacks!" He emphasized the need to "lower the flames, to show humanity and sensitivity."

Tomer-Yerushalmi is expected to be questioned under caution as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the video leak. A protest by IDF reservists that had been planned outside her home was subsequently canceled.

The military is now considering candidates to replace Tomer-Yerushalmi as the new military advocate general. According to the Military Justice Law, the appointee must be a military attorney with at least seven years of legal experience.