Israeli authorities have detained a senior military lawyer accused of leaking a classified video that allegedly shows soldiers mistreating a Palestinian detainee in Gaza. The officer, whose identity is protected by a court gag order, was arrested by the Shin Bet internal security agency on suspicion of breaching national security laws.
Officials said the lawyer faces charges of unauthorized possession and distribution of classified information, data theft, and breach of trust. A Jerusalem court has ordered that his detention be extended until November 8 while the investigation continues.
The leaked video, reportedly recorded in July 2024, surfaced online earlier this week and quickly spread across social media. The two-minute clip appears to show several Israeli soldiers surrounding a restrained Palestinian man inside a damaged building. One soldier can be seen shoving the detainee, while another instructs him to hold a rifle in what investigators believe was a staged scene for a photo.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the footage is authentic and said the event is under investigation by the Military Police. “This is a serious breach of confidentiality and professional conduct,” said IDF Chief of Staff Major General Tomer Yerushalmi. “The actions seen in the video do not reflect the values or discipline of the Israeli military.”
Major General Yerushalmi added that the incident involves two separate investigations – one addressing the alleged misconduct of the soldiers and another examining the security breach that led to the leak. Brigadier General Dvora Weinstein, the Military Advocate General, confirmed that the officer suspected of leaking the video has been suspended from duty pending a disciplinary review.
The footage has drawn international attention and sparked renewed discussion about accountability and transparency within the Israeli military. Human rights organizations have called for an independent inquiry, emphasizing the importance of protecting detainee rights in conflict zones.
In response, the IDF said it remains committed to enforcing ethical standards among its personnel and to cooperating fully with oversight authorities. Officials noted that leaking classified materials undermines both operational security and public confidence in the military’s integrity.
As investigations continue, legal experts in Israel say the case could have lasting implications for how the country handles sensitive military information in the digital age.
