Legal U-Turn
The Sde Teiman Scandal: New Military Chief Moves to Drop Charges Against Hero Force 100 Soldiers
In a massive blow to the military prosecution, the new Military Advocate General is expected to cancel the indictments against Force 100 soldiers after it was revealed that their investigation was based on edited footage and high-level leaks.
The Collapse of a Controversial Case
More than a year and a half after the launch of what many describe as a fabricated investigation into the detention facility at Sde Teiman, the case against the Force 100 soldiers appears to be crumbling. This development comes roughly two months after the former Military Advocate General (MAG), Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, admitted she personally authorized the leak of an edited security video to the media.
The soldiers, whose unit was tasked with managing high-risk scenarios involving Nukhba terrorists from the October 7 massacre, have maintained their innocence from the start. They argued that their actions were purely professional and necessary given the dangerous environment. “Working with them needs to be very aggressive, very clear,” one fighter explained in a documentary. “Gentleness is interpreted by them as weakness, and weakness is an immediate life-threatening danger.”
The "Cooked" Video and Alleged Cover-Up
The turning point in the case was the distribution of security footage showing soldiers moving a detainee. The soldiers contended the video was misleadingly edited, but it initially led to their arrests and serious indictments. “You threw us to the dogs, you threw us into prison,” one soldier stated during the height of the proceedings.
The revelation that the MAG herself leaked the footage led to a criminal investigation for obstruction of justice and her unprecedented suspension during a time of war. Last week, Dr. Hagai Haroush, a senior aide to the Attorney General, provided testimony to the police. Reports suggest that Haroush previously recused himself from the case due to ties with the Deputy MAG, Gal Asael, raising further questions about a potential cover-up within the prosecution’s office.
Soldiers Demand Recognition as Victims
Last month, the military court lifted travel bans for the Force 100 fighters, signalling a weakening of the prosecution's stance. In response to the damage caused by the legal proceedings, the soldiers have officially requested that the police recognize them as the primary victims of the leak and cover-up.
The fighters detailed massive personal tolls, including economic ruin, loss of employment, post-traumatic stress, and the destruction of their reputations. They are now demanding a thorough investigation into the Attorney General’s role in the affair, requesting that authorities seize phones and documents to reach the truth. The potential cancellation of the indictments by the new MAG, Major General Itai Ophir, would represent a total vindication for the soldiers after a long and painful legal battle.