Katz claims he will strip IDF’s top lawyer, who resigned, of her rank

Defense Minister Israel Katz says he seeks to strip outgoing Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi of her rank, over her involvement in leaking the Sde Teiman abuse video to the media.

“All required sanctions will be taken against her, foremost among them the stripping of her rank,” Katz says in a statement.

Under the IDF’s protocols, only a military court ruling, a special military tribunal, or the chief of staff can demote senior officers. The defense minister does not have such authority.

“Anyone who falsely spreads blood libels against IDF soldiers and prefers the welfare of the Nukhba terrorists over theirs is not worthy of wearing the IDF uniform and belongs in prison,” he says.

(The Palestinian detainee who was severely abused by the reservists in the Sde Teiman affair was not a member of Hamas’s Nukhba Force.)

“I intend to ensure a thorough investigation. Anyone found to be involved in this blood libel will be expelled and will pay a heavy price,” Katz adds. He doesn’t elaborate on the blood libel allegation, but appears to be referring to the use of the footage by certain critics of Israel who accused the IDF of raping Palestinian prisoners.

Katz said earlier that he would dismiss Tomer-Yerushalmi from the army, although it is unclear if he has the authority to do so either. Tomer-Yerushalmi met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir this morning and requested to step down.