Amichai Segal Criticizes IDF Over Severance Deal for Dismissed Military Prosecutor

Political commentator Amichai Segal sharply criticized the Israeli Defense Forces' handling of the severance rights for dismissed military prosecutor Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi on Thursday. Segal questioned IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the military over the millions of shekels Tomer-Yerushalmi might receive despite being removed by a military court. He emphasized that under the law, anyone dismissed by a military tribunal is not entitled to pension benefits, yet the IDF insists on signing a financial settlement with her. This controversy arises amid a dispute between the IDF and the Finance Ministry regarding her financial entitlements. According to reports, Zamir decided she would receive most veteran benefits except certain components, but the Finance Ministry's Accountant General halted some payments.

Segal suggested the settlement might have motives beyond finances, asking if it was intended to silence the case related to Tomer-Yerushalmi's involvement in the false affidavit scandal in the Shde Teiman affair. He also criticized the Finance Ministry's intervention and accused the IDF of complaining to the Justice Ministry when the Finance Ministry opposed the deal. Segal further accused the Justice Ministry of obstructing the truth and questioned whether it was protecting someone receiving millions to keep the matter quiet.

The dispute has prompted Defense Minister Israel Katz to intervene, demanding the Chief of Staff exhaust all possible proceedings against Tomer-Yerushalmi and refrain from easing her conditions before the criminal process concludes. Segal concluded by calling for transparency and accountability regarding the funds and the handling of the case, stating, "This money is ours, and the information is ours. It's time to provide answers."