Israeli military prosecutor arrested for leaking video of soldiers raping Palestinian prisoners

Israeli police have arrested former military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir confirmed Monday, after a scandal broke out over a leaked video allegedly showing soldiers abusing a Palestinian prisoner.

Tomer-Yerushalmi went missing for several hours on Sunday following her resignation announcement, prompting media speculation about a possible suicide attempt, AFP reported.

In a resignation letter released by Israeli media on Friday, she admitted that her office had been responsible for sharing the video with journalists last year.

Since the 2024 leak, five reservists have been charged in connection with the incident, including accusations of stabbing the detainee near the rectum with a “sharp object.”

Ben Gvir said on Telegram that authorities had agreed to take extra precautions to ensure Tomer-Yerushalmi’s safety while in custody. He stressed the need for a professional investigation “to uncover the full truth about the case that led to a blood libel against IDF soldiers.”

The statement did not specify the charges against her.

Channel 12 reported Monday that investigators believe Tomer-Yerushalmi may not have intended to end her life but instead faked her disappearance to dispose of her phone, which could contain sensitive information.

Other media outlets said she left behind a note that could be read as a suicide message.

The Israeli military had earlier announced her resignation pending an inquiry into the leaked video, filmed at the Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel last year.