A group of civilians claims to have discovered a mobile phone on Tel Aviv’s HaTzuk Beach during a search for the missing device of former IDF Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi. This find comes amid a growing scandal involving suspicions of a cover-up in a military abuse case, with police now examining the phone to confirm if it belongs to her.
Background on the IDF Legal Scandal
Tomer-Yerushalmi resigned from her role as the army’s top legal officer last week, just before her sudden disappearance along the Tel Aviv coastline. Authorities suspect she may have staged a suicide attempt to destroy evidence related to a leaked video in the Force 100 abuse case, where IDF soldiers faced allegations of mistreating detainees.
The case centers on leaked footage that sparked public outrage and investigations into possible misconduct by military leaders. Reports indicate the video showed abuse at a detention facility, leading to arrests and broader probes into how the information was handled. Tomer-Yerushalmi is now detained, facing charges of fraud, obstruction of justice, and abuse of power.
Investigators believe her missing phone could hold key evidence, including communications that might link her to the leak or efforts to hide details. This scandal has shaken Israel’s military and legal circles, drawing attention from national security officials.
Details of the Disappearance and Recovery
On Sunday night, police launched a massive search after finding Tomer-Yerushalmi’s abandoned car near HaTzuk Beach, along with what appeared to be a suicide note. She was located alive after hours of effort involving helicopters and rescue teams, but her phone was nowhere to be found.
Media outlets reported that she underwent a medical check upon discovery, showing no serious injuries. However, suspicions quickly arose that the disappearance was a ploy to dispose of the device. A court extended her detention by three days, citing risks of evidence tampering.
The beach area, known for its rocky cliffs and strong waves, made the search challenging. Waves could have easily carried away small items like a phone, adding to the mystery.
Here is a timeline of key events in the case:
- Friday: Tomer-Yerushalmi resigns amid growing pressure over the leak.
- Sunday Evening: She goes missing; car found with a note.
- Sunday Night: Police locate her alive on the beach.
- Monday: Civilians begin independent search for the phone.
Civilian Efforts Lead to Potential Breakthrough
Motivated by public interest, a group of volunteers, including metal detector enthusiast Eitan Nahum, gathered on Monday evening to scour the beach. Armed with detectors, flashlights, and determination, they focused on the exact spot where Tomer-Yerushalmi was found.
Nahum told reporters they located a damaged cellphone near the waterline and handed it over to police for analysis. He expressed hope that it belongs to her, vowing to continue the search if needed. Dozens more people have joined similar efforts, turning the beach into a hub of amateur detectives.
Businessman Eitan Galaim even offered prize money to encourage volunteers, with over 4,000 people reportedly signing up. This community-driven initiative highlights how ordinary citizens are stepping in where official searches fell short.
What the Missing Phone Could Reveal
If confirmed as Tomer-Yerushalmi’s, the phone might contain messages, documents, or data tied to the abuse case leak. Sources suggest it could implicate other high-ranking officials, including potential ties to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly accused her of hiding the device to protect incriminating materials. Experts say recovering data from a water-damaged phone is possible but depends on quick forensic work.
The scandal ties into broader issues of military accountability in Israel, especially amid ongoing conflicts. Recent events, like probes into detainee treatment, have fueled debates on ethics and transparency.
| Key Figures in the Scandal | Role | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi | Former IDF Military Advocate General | Detained, under investigation |
| Itamar Ben-Gvir | National Security Minister | Accused her of hiding evidence |
| Gali Baharav-Miara | Attorney-General | Potentially implicated per claims |
| Eitan Nahum | Civilian Search Leader | Found possible phone, handed to police |
Legal and Public Implications
A Tel Aviv court has already extended Tomer-Yerushalmi’s detention, emphasizing concerns over interference in the probe. If the phone yields evidence, it could lead to more arrests and shake public trust in the military justice system.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some praising the civilian search as a win for transparency, while others worry about vigilante actions complicating official investigations. This case echoes past Israeli scandals, like the 2023 leaks on judicial reforms, where missing evidence played a central role.
As the story unfolds in 2025, it underscores ongoing tensions in Israel’s defense establishment. Authorities promise a thorough review, but questions remain about how deep the cover-up goes.
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