IDF Chief Defends Security Focus Amid Controversy Over Dismissed Military Advocate's Pension

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir addressed the public and political criticism regarding the controversial pension package requested for the dismissed military advocate, Colonel Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. Speaking during a multi-front situation assessment on Thursday, Zamir emphasized that the military's sole focus remains on defending Israel's security and that they will not be distracted by issues that could undermine their readiness. He highlighted the numerous security challenges facing the IDF, including threats from Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, and announced an increase in readiness by deploying an additional regular division to reinforce forces in the West Bank ahead of the holiday season.

Zamir also sharply criticized the current defense budget situation, describing the military's financial resources as "empty," which he said harms the IDF's operational preparedness. The controversy centers on the exceptional pension package requested for Tomer-Yerushalmi, who was dismissed amid serious allegations of submitting false affidavits to the Supreme Court and covering up an investigation related to a leak from the Yemen base. The pension package is reportedly worth millions of shekels.

Political figures swiftly condemned the pension request. MK Osher Shekalim called for Tomer-Yerushalmi to be imprisoned and stripped of her rank, salary, and pension, promising that the next Knesset would pass legislation empowering the defense minister to take such actions. Commentator Yaakov Bardugo suggested that Tomer-Yerushalmi might possess damaging information about the military system, implying the pension deal could be a form of hush money.

Amid the controversy, questions arose about the involvement of the Ministry of Justice, with journalist Amit Segal questioning why the military engaged the ministry in what he described as a financial dispute that should be resolved judicially. The State Comptroller vetoed Zamir's initial decision to grant the generous pension package. Defense Minister Israel Katz demanded strict measures to revoke Tomer-Yerushalmi's benefits and criticized delays in advancing criminal charges against her by the civilian judicial system.