Israeli Military's Top Lawyer Jailed Amid Scandal, Sparking National Outcry
Jerusalem – In a development that has sent shockwaves through Israel’s defence establishment, Major General Yifat Tomer‑Yerushalmi, the senior legal officer of the Israeli Defence Forces, was taken into custody and placed in detention early last week following allegations of serious misconduct.
As the head of the military’s legal corps, Tomer‑Yerushalmi oversaw the application of military law, provided counsel on operational decisions, and represented the army in courts‑martial. Her tenure, which began in 2022, was marked by high‑profile legal reviews of combat operations and the implementation of new protocols intended to align military practice with international legal standards.
Prosecutors allege that the general engaged in a series of actions that violated both military regulations and civilian law, including the alleged misuse of authority to influence ongoing investigations and the purported concealment of evidence in a separate case involving senior officers. While the exact charges remain sealed pending a formal indictment, officials described the situation as “unprecedented in recent military history” and indicated that the investigation is being conducted by a special independent committee.
Government spokespeople emphasized that the rule of law applies equally to all citizens, including senior military officials, and affirmed that the proceedings would be transparent and swift. Senior defence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment but stressed the importance of maintaining institutional integrity. Legal scholars and analysts noted that the scandal could prompt broader reviews of oversight mechanisms within the armed forces, citing previous controversies that highlighted gaps in accountability.
Looking ahead, the Defence Ministry has announced plans to appoint an interim head of the legal corps while the investigation proceeds. If convicted, Tomer‑Yerushalmi could face a range of penalties, potentially including dismissal from service and imprisonment. The episode is likely to fuel public debate over military governance and may influence forthcoming legislative proposals aimed at strengthening civilian oversight of the armed forces.
