Israeli authorities have arrested former military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the country’s Internal Security Minister confirmed on Monday, following a growing controversy surrounding leaked footage purportedly showing Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee.
The scandal erupted after video footage emerged online, allegedly depicting soldiers mistreating a bound Palestinian prisoner during an interrogation. The graphic material provoked widespread public outrage and intensified scrutiny over the conduct of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in occupied territories.
Tomer-Yerushalmi, who recently announced her resignation amid the backlash, was reportedly missing for several hours on Sunday, sparking media speculation about a potential suicide attempt. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent arrest have not been fully disclosed.
Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated on Telegram that “it was agreed that, in light of last night’s events, the prison service would operate with heightened vigilance to ensure the detainee’s safety while in custody.” Authorities have yet to provide further details about the reasons for Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention, although sources suggest it may be related to her role in overseeing internal investigations into alleged human rights violations by the IDF.
The leaked footage has reignited debate in Israel regarding military accountability and the oversight of interrogation procedures. Human rights organisations have called for a fully independent inquiry into the incident, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability in the military justice system.
The Israeli army has issued a statement affirming that “the incident will be thoroughly investigated” and that those responsible “will face appropriate disciplinary measures.” The development adds to growing tensions in Israel over civil-military relations and the treatment of Palestinians in detention.
For clarity, the key facts are summarised in the table below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Individual Arrested | Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi |
| Position | Former military prosecutor |
| Date of Arrest | Monday, 11 November 2025 |
| Alleged Incident | Mistreatment of Palestinian detainee during interrogation |
| Leaked Footage | Video allegedly showing abuse |
| Resignation | Announced prior to arrest |
| Security Response | Prison service operating under heightened vigilance |
| Official Statements | Army: “Incident will be thoroughly investigated”; human rights groups call for independent inquiry |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
The arrest has intensified public debate over military accountability in Israel and highlights the challenges of balancing national security responsibilities with adherence to human rights obligations.