EILAT, Israel — Defense Minister Israel Katz has initiated a controversial decision by preventing Major General Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, the IDF’s Military Advocate General, from addressing the Israel Bar Association conference this weekend. This action marks a significant departure from previous practices where the military advocate has regularly participated in such events to communicate key messages to the public.
Katz labeled the conference as politicized, despite the long-standing tradition of the bar association hosting speakers from various political backgrounds without endorsing any party. The relationship between the government and the bar association has grown tense recently, largely due to criticism from lawyers regarding the government’s judicial reform initiatives.
Uncertainty surrounds whether Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was consulted regarding this decision, raising concerns about the implications of political interference in military matters. This incident is the second such intervention in less than a week; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Major General David Zini as the next head of the Shin Bet without prior discussion with Zamir.
Tomer Yerushalmi has yet to publicly comment on the situation. Katz urged her to dedicate her efforts toward defending IDF soldiers against allegations of war crimes in international forums, a responsibility that includes highlighting the Israeli military’s self-investigations into potential misconduct. These investigations are vital, as the International Criminal Court cannot pursue cases against IDF personnel already examined by military authorities.
As of May 2024, Tomer Yerushalmi disclosed that over 70 criminal cases had been opened against IDF soldiers. Recent reports indicate that this figure may now be approaching 90, alongside hundreds of serious operational inquiries and more than 1,000 preliminary probes. Nevertheless, since a report released in August 2024, there has been no public update from the IDF regarding the status of these investigations.
The Jerusalem Post has reported that a planned public announcement set for early 2025 was also blocked, furthering the lack of transparency. Such actions may reflect the government’s concern about potential political fallout from scrutinizing its soldiers, but they could also undermine Israel’s ability to defend itself on the international stage.
This situation underscores a mounting challenge in balancing military oversight and political considerations, as the Israeli government navigates its judicial reforms and interactions with the bar association. The implications of these developments continue to evolve, raising questions about the future of military advocacy and accountability.
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