Former IDF Military Advocate-General Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi was found alive and unharmed on Sunday evening on a beach in north Tel Aviv after a widespread search lasting hours, following a report of her disappearance, and fears were raised that she might take her own life.
The embattled top military jurist, the second woman in the IDF to hold the rank of major-general, resigned on Friday after Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to fire her for allegedly leaking the Sde Teiman investigation video that shows soldiers using excessive force against a Palestinian terrorist in detention. She then apparently lied about not knowing the source of the leak.
“This afternoon, we received a report about a missing person with concerns for her life. With bolstered forces, we arrived in the area and deployed all the resources at our disposal – by sea, on land, and through technological means. I can say that after extensive searches, she is currently being escorted by soldiers and police officers for a physical examination, and she will be brought to us at the police station,” the Tel Aviv District Police commander stated after she was found.
Tomer-Yerushalmi’s family initially reported her disappearance, prompting the police’s search. Later in the day, the mother of three reportedly made contact with her husband and authorities brought her husband to her to talk to her, about a kilometer north of Hatzuk Beach.
Tomer-Yerushalmi expected to be interrogated for leaked video
She was expected to be interrogated regarding her admission to leaking the video of IDF soldier prison guards beating a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman prison last year.
She might have only been questioned in the coming days, but the latest developments may lead to unusual considerations, including the need to expedite her interrogation while she is in the safety of custody, as opposed to risking her cooperation at a future date.
For hours on Sunday, there were fears for Tomer-Yerushalmi’s life after she disappeared and her car was found abandoned, with a letter left inside.
Large numbers of police officers, the army, navy, and air force searched for her with the held of helicopters and drones. Her car was found near Hatzuk Beach, reportedly after security forces used various technological means to track her location.