Ex-IDF Legal Chief Tomer-Yerushalmi Found Alive After Beachside Search
Tel Aviv, Israel – Former IDF Military Advocate General Tomer-Yerushalmi was found alive Sunday after a frantic search along the Tel Aviv coastline. Yerushalmi, who concluded his term in the role earlier this month, had been reported missing earlier in the day, prompting a large-scale operation involving the Israel Police, IDF search and rescue teams, and civilian volunteers.
The search gained urgency given Yerushalmi’s recent departure from a position at the center of scrutiny regarding alleged misconduct within the military justice system. His tenure concluded amid controversy surrounding reports of abuse of Palestinian detainees at the Sde Teiman detention facility in southern Israel, and calls for an advocate general from “outside the system” – a move complex by the Military Justice Law requiring the position be filled by a military attorney with at least seven years of legal experience.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had affirmed the military’s commitment to appointing a new advocate general and maintaining adherence to the law following the allegations. In a statement released Sunday night, Zamir expressed confidence in the military Advocate General’s office and its ability to restore trust.
Yerushalmi’s disappearance occurred as the IDF continues to address the fallout from the Sde Teiman allegations and navigate the ongoing war in Gaza, which has led to a importent increase in Palestinian detainees. Details surrounding the circumstances of Yerushalmi’s disappearance and subsequent revelation are currently limited. Authorities have not yet released facts regarding his condition or the events leading up to his being found.
