From the Liveblog of
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Katz asserts IDF’s top lawyer won’t attend conference after military says it approved her participation
Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
Defense Minister Israel Katz announces that he will not permit IDF Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi to participate in the upcoming Israel Bar Association conference, citing the need for her to focus on her operational duties during the war in Gaza.
“After considering all aspects, I have decided not to approve the participation of the Military Advocate General, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, in the Bar Association conference — based on the reasons I have detailed,” Katz said in a statement.
In an earlier statement, Katz said it would be better if the IDF’s top legal officer “dedicates her time to fulfilling her role in the IDF, including completing investigations into issues for which the public expects answers, and assisting IDF commanders and soldiers in refuting domestic and foreign fabrications regarding the conduct of IDF soldiers in the war in Gaza.”
Katz’s decision came despite prior approval from IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who authorized Tomer-Yerushalmi’s appearance, emphasizing the importance of publicly explaining the IDF’s efforts to operate within international law amid the conflict.
Katz claims that he informed Zamir of his decision before announcing it publicly, and asserts that the authority on the matter lies solely with him as defense minister.
The Times of Israel Community.