Lawsuit Demands End to Public Funding for Former Military Advocate

A petition has been filed with the High Court of Justice demanding an immediate halt to public funding for the legal representation of Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, the former Military Advocate General. The lawsuit, submitted by attorney Zehava Gur on behalf of the "Forum of Professors for National Resilience," also seeks the return of all funds already disbursed for her defense.

Gur argues that the public purse should not be used to fund the legal defense of individuals, especially those who have been dismissed from service and are capable of covering their own expenses. She specifically pointed to Tomer Yerushalmi's dismissal, stating that her connection to the military has been severed and that she should be held accountable for her actions, implying she should face legal consequences.

Gur further contends that Israeli law does not obligate the military to fund legal representation for dismissed personnel. She highlighted the case of Colonel Rami Dotan, who was imprisoned for bribery and had to fund his own defense, questioning why Tomer Yerushalmi receives public funding. Gur also raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the costs and criteria for such funding, noting that her inquiries to the military legal system were met with evasiveness.

The petition stems from the controversial leak of a recording that falsely depicted IDF soldiers as committing rape against detainees at a base in southern Israel. Tomer Yerushalmi has reportedly admitted responsibility for this leak. Gur expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the High Court intervening but stated that the petition represents the only recourse available to seek justice and prevent what she described as the "theft of the public coffers."