IDF Legal Chief Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi Goes Missing After Rape Tape Leak

Israeli IDF Legal Chief Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi Goes Missing Amid Controversy

On November 2, 2025, Israeli Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the former top lawyer for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was reported missing for several hours following a significant backlash over her admission that she leaked a video depicting the rape of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman facility. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns regarding accountability and human rights within the IDF.

Key Details

Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who held the position of IDF Legal Chief, faced severe public vilification after her confession about the leak. The video, which allegedly shows the sexual assault of detainees, has intensified scrutiny on the IDF"s treatment of Palestinian prisoners and raised questions about the legal and ethical standards upheld by military personnel. In the wake of the backlash, which included calls for her resignation and threats against her safety, Tomer-Yerushalmi"s whereabouts became a matter of urgent concern. Her car was discovered running near Hof HaTzuk Beach in Tel Aviv, prompting a large-scale search operation by law enforcement agencies. The situation escalated fears for her safety, with authorities expressing concerns that she might have been contemplating suicide. Fortunately, after several hours of uncertainty, Tomer-Yerushalmi was located alive and unharmed. The details surrounding her disappearance and subsequent reappearance have not been fully disclosed, but the incident has highlighted the intense pressure faced by individuals in high-profile positions within the military, particularly in the context of controversial actions and decisions.

Background

The Sde Teiman facility, where the alleged incidents took place, has been a focal point of human rights discussions regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Reports of abuse and mistreatment have been documented over the years, and the recent leak has reignited debates about the IDF"s operational protocols and the legal frameworks governing military conduct. The public"s reaction to Tomer-Yerushalmi"s admission reflects broader societal tensions in Israel regarding the military"s role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Activists and human rights organizations have long criticized the IDF for its treatment of detainees, and this incident has further fueled calls for accountability and reform.

What"s Next

The implications of this incident extend beyond Tomer-Yerushalmi"s personal circumstances. It raises critical questions about the IDF"s internal processes for handling allegations of misconduct and the protection of whistleblowers within the military. As previously reported, the Israeli military has faced scrutiny for its actions in various contexts, including the use of AI-powered drones in Gaza, which have reportedly been employed to monitor protests in the United States. The fallout from this incident may lead to increased pressure on military leadership to address systemic issues related to human rights and accountability. As the situation develops, it will be essential to monitor how the IDF responds to the public outcry and whether any changes are implemented to safeguard the rights of detainees and protect individuals who come forward with allegations of misconduct. In summary, the case of Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between military operations, legal accountability, and human rights in conflict zones. The coming days and weeks will likely reveal more about the repercussions of her actions and the broader implications for the IDF and its operations.