Israeli police have arrested former military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, the country’s internal security minister confirmed on Monday, following a growing scandal over a leaked video purportedly showing Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian detainee.
The controversy erupted after footage surfaced online, allegedly depicting soldiers mistreating a bound Palestinian prisoner during an interrogation. The incident triggered widespread public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the military’s conduct in occupied territories.
Tomer-Yerushalmi, who recently announced her resignation amid the backlash, went missing for several hours on Sunday, fuelling media speculation that she may have attempted to take her own life.
Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated on Telegram, “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 release further details regarding the investigation or the circumstances leading to her detention. However, sources close to the case suggest that Tomer-Yerushalmi’s arrest may be linked to her role in handling internal probes into alleged human rights abuses by the Israeli Defence Forces.
The leaked footage has reignited debate within Israel over accountability in the military justice system, with human rights organisations calling for an independent inquiry. Meanwhile, the army has reiterated that “the incident will be thoroughly investigated” and that those responsible “will face appropriate disciplinary measures.”
