IDF Chief Clashes with Finance Ministry Over Former Military Advocate's Severance Pay

A rare dispute has erupted between the Israel Defense Forces and the Finance Ministry regarding the retirement benefits of former military advocate Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. The Finance Ministry's Accountant General, Michal Abadi-Boiangiu, has refused to approve the full transfer of funds allocated to Tomer-Yerushalmi following her dismissal, despite the position of IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. The core issue is whether to finalize her financial rights while a criminal investigation into her conduct remains ongoing. The Finance Ministry insists on waiting for legal clarity before releasing payments that might be irrevocable. Consequently, some payments have been halted, and ministry officials have questioned the IDF about the scope of her approved entitlements.

The IDF Chief of Staff strongly opposes this freeze, asserting his decisions regarding Tomer-Yerushalmi were made within his authority. However, the Finance Ministry has not changed its stance, and the funds remain partially withheld. Tomer-Yerushalmi was removed from her position in May amid allegations related to leaking a video from the Yemen Field and issues concerning her conduct before the Supreme Court. Alongside her dismissal, Kochavi imposed several financial sanctions against her.

IDF sources emphasize that contrary to claims that her severance terms are lenient, significant benefits have already been revoked, amounting to over 1.5 million shekels in financial losses. The military also notes that the current decision is not necessarily final; depending on the investigation's outcome, further disciplinary measures, including demotion, could be considered. The IDF maintains that Kochavi's decision was lawful and within his command authority. Regarding the Finance Ministry's intervention, the IDF stated that any legal dispute over the Chief of Staff's authority should be resolved by the appropriate parties.