Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Retired Judge for Sde Teiman Leak Investigation
11/20/2025, 1:02:31 AM
Appointment of Yosef Ben-Hamo
Justice Minister Yariv Levin appointed retired district court judge Yosef Ben-Hamo to oversee the criminal investigation into the Sde Teiman video leak. This decision followed a ruling by the High Court of Justice that invalidated Levin's initial choice of State Ombudsman for Judges Asher Kula due to legal restrictions on the ombudsman's dual roles. Ben-Hamo, who served on the Nazareth District Court from 2014 to 2020, is tasked with overseeing the investigation into a surveillance video leak that allegedly shows IDF soldiers abusing a Palestinian security detainee at the Sde Teiman military facility.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation centers on former military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who admitted to authorizing the leak of the video and subsequently misled investigators while ostensibly leading the inquiry to identify the leaker. The High Court's ruling specified that the appointed supervisor must not have political affiliations and should possess expertise in legal affairs related to criminal investigations.
Criticism of the Appointment
MK Tali Gotliv of the Likud party expressed strong opposition to Ben-Hamo's appointment, questioning his qualifications and experience in criminal law. In her statement on X, she highlighted that Ben-Hamo had not dealt with criminal cases for many years and criticized Levin for not considering other qualified candidates. Gotliv emphasized the urgency of the investigation, stating, "Every day that passes is another day that Miyara is not under investigation!"
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel also criticized Ben-Hamo's appointment, arguing that he does not meet the High Court's criteria of being a "senior public servant" and has not engaged in criminal investigations recently. They claimed that this appointment reflects Levin's attempt to further his agenda and announced plans to challenge the decision through legal means.
Official Statements & Responses
In defense of his choice, Levin stated that Ben-Hamo had dealt with numerous criminal cases during his judicial tenure and met the stringent requirements set forth by the High Court. He expressed confidence in Ben-Hamo's ability to oversee the investigation effectively.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a notable discrepancy regarding Ben-Hamo's qualifications. While Levin asserts that Ben-Hamo has relevant experience, critics argue that he lacks the necessary background in criminal investigations, raising questions about the appropriateness of his appointment. The Movement for Quality Government's claims that Ben-Hamo does not fulfill the High Court's stipulations remain unaddressed in official responses.
What's Next
The controversy surrounding Ben-Hamo's appointment is expected to escalate as the Movement for Quality Government prepares to utilize legal avenues to contest the decision. The ongoing investigation into the Sde Teiman leak will continue to unfold, with implications for both the military and the judicial oversight in Israel.
