Chief Military Advocate Resigns Over Shocking Sde Teiman Leak

Defense Minister Israel Katz announced this morning (Friday) that the Military Advocate General (MAG) will not return to her post. “I will ensure accountability for anyone involved in the blood libel against IDF soldiers in the Sde Teiman affair,” Katz said in his statement.

The statement also said that MAG Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi will not be able to return to her position “given the severity of the suspicions and the sensitivity of the MAG’s role, which oversees law enforcement and sets legal standards across the IDF.” Katz added that an acting MAG will be appointed soon, and he intends to name a permanent military attorney based on the Chief of Staff’s recommendation.

Earlier this week, the IDF Spokesperson reported that a criminal investigation was opened following the release of the video in the Sde Teiman affair, examining the involvement of MAG office personnel in the leak. Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, approved Tomer-Yerushalmi’s request to go on leave until the investigation is complete.

According to Walla, recent information links the MAG to the leak, which allegedly occurred with her knowledge.

When the affair first emerged, the petitioner and team members were detained. On August 6, 2024, during a detention extension hearing, defense attorneys learned that a report aired on Channel 12 contained classified investigative materials that had been withheld from them. The leaked materials included security camera footage from the Sde Teiman military facility, intelligence on a high-risk terrorist, and polygraph results from two soldiers, tests not used as evidence in criminal proceedings. The leak was immediately reported to the judge handling the detention, who ordered an investigation into the leak, a step that was not carried out at the time. The Military Defense Counsel requested that the State Attorney and Deputy Attorney General authorize a criminal investigation into the incident.

According to reports from journalist Amit Segal, new details have emerged in the ongoing investigation into the alleged leak by the Chief Military Advocate/ Prosecutor.

A polygraph examination of the spokesperson for the Military Prosecutor’s Office was conducted over the recent Sukkot holiday. The findings were presented to the head of Shin Bet, David Zini, on his third day in office.

Sources familiar with the case claim that officers involved provided a full, detailed account confirming the Chief Military Prosecutor’s alleged role in the leak. The account also raises suspicions of submitting false affidavits to the High Court of Justice, obstruction of justice, and document falsification under aggravating circumstances, according to internal review findings.

The claims are said to be backed by objective evidence already in the hands of law enforcement.

At least four officers within the Military Prosecutor’s Office have been investigated or are expected to be questioned, prior to the summoning of Chief Prosecutor Aluf Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi herself.

Sources indicate that the polygraph disclosure was intentional, not accidental. Previously, officers reportedly feared exposing the leak and obstruction due to potential repercussions from the Chief Military Prosecutor.

The investigation continues, and updates are expected as more officials are questioned.

UPDATE: Tomer-Yerushalmi just submitted her resignation.