Israel Dismisses Charges Against Soldiers in Sde Teiman Abuse Case

Israel's Military Advocate General (MAG) has dropped charges against five reservist soldiers accused of assaulting a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman military prison. The allegations of aggravated abuse and serious assault stemmed from a July 2024 incident, which gained notoriety following the leak of a video in August 2024. The footage appeared to show the detainee being violently attacked while other detainees were restrained nearby. According to a February 2025 indictment, the soldiers were accused of severe physical abuse, including breaking ribs and puncturing a lung.

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The MAG cited insufficient evidence from the security camera footage, stating it did not "clearly and irrefutably show acts of severe violence" necessary for a criminal conviction. Additionally, the MAG referenced "exceptional circumstances," including misconduct by officials in the Military Advocate General's Office and the fact that the detainee had been released to Gaza as part of the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, making cross-examination impossible.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his right-wing government welcomed the decision. Netanyahu, who previously described the case as “the worst PR disaster in Israel’s history,” stated, “It is unacceptable that it took so long to close a case pursued criminally against IDF soldiers who are confronting the worst of our enemies.” This sentiment reflects a broader political narrative among right-wing factions who have criticized the investigation as a “blood libel” against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

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In stark contrast, human rights organizations condemned the dismissal of charges. The Palestinian Center for Prisoners Advocacy labeled it a “clear attempt to obscure the truth,” asserting that the Israeli military judicial system protects perpetrators of crimes. The Israeli human rights group Yesh Din criticized the decision, claiming it demonstrates Israel's unwillingness to prosecute soldiers for serious violations of international humanitarian law. They noted that only two indictments have been issued regarding crimes committed by Israeli soldiers during the Gaza War.

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The Sde Teiman facility has faced scrutiny over allegations of abuse, with whistleblowers detailing mistreatment of detainees. Following the controversy, Israel announced plans to phase out the facility. The case has sparked significant political backlash, leading to protests and riots outside the military court. The former MAG, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, became a focal point for right-wing outrage, resulting in her resignation in October 2025 amid an internal investigation into the video leak.

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While the MAG's decision to dismiss charges has been framed as a legal necessity, critics argue it reflects systemic issues within the military judicial system. The lack of formal charges against Tomer-Yerushalmi, despite her resignation and investigation for multiple offenses, raises questions about accountability within the military's legal framework.

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• “It is unacceptable that it took so long to close a case pursued criminally against IDF soldiers who are confronting the worst of our enemies. Israel must pursue its enemies – not its heroic fighters.” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

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• “proves that Israel is unwilling and unable to prosecute soldiers suspected of serious violations of international humanitarian law.” — Yesh Din, Israeli human rights group

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