IDF Refuses to Disclose Funding for Discharged Female Officer's Defense Team

The "If This Is The Will" movement is struggling to uncover the funding sources for the legal defense team of former female officer Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, who was discharged from service. Despite numerous requests for basic information submitted since November 2025, the Military Advocate General's Corps and the IDF have remained silent, refusing to disclose who is paying for Yerushalmi's defense and who is approving the arrangements.

Alon Schwarzer, head of research and policy at "If This Is The Will," stated that the movement has filed civil lawsuits against the IDF and the Military Advocate General's Corps due to their lack of response. Schwarzer explained that their requests also sought to identify Yerushalmi's lawyers, the financiers, and the approving authorities. Additionally, they aimed to determine if such extensive legal support is a standard practice for all discharged soldiers.

Schwarzer estimated the funding to be in the hundreds of thousands of shekels, expressing disappointment that the case has eroded public trust. The movement previously filed a complaint with the Ministry of Justice's Freedom of Information Unit, which ruled that the IDF's lack of transparency violated the law and recommended pursuing legal action.

"If This Is The Will" is now proceeding with its lawsuit in civil court based on the Ministry of Justice's recommendation. Schwarzer indicated that if the IDF continues to withhold information even after this legal challenge, the movement will escalate the matter to the High Court of Justice, asserting the public's right to know who is funding and approving such defense arrangements.