Israel’s military announced on Thursday that it would be withdrawing charges against five soldiers who were accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee, with part of the incident captured on camera. This decision marked the conclusion of a divisive case that began with the soldiers’ arrest in 2024 at the infamous Sde Teiman military prison, leading to outrage from members of the far-right government and hard-line ultranationalists who violently stormed the prison in protest.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the announcement, while human rights organizations criticized the military for allegedly covering up one of the most severe instances of abuse within the country’s network of wartime prisons. Sde Teiman was established after October 7, 2023, to house Palestinians detained in Gaza during Israel’s conflict with the Hamas militant group. The facility gained notoriety for reports of abuse and torture from both employees and released Palestinian detainees.
Allegations of misconduct gained traction following the broadcast of a leaked video by Israeli news outlets, showing soldiers allegedly assaulting a Palestinian prisoner. The soldiers were accused of dragging the detainee on the floor, using a Taser on him, and sexually assaulting him by stabbing him in the rectum, resulting in multiple injuries, as stated in the indictment. At the time, the victim was handcuffed, blindfolded, and had his ankles bound. He was later hospitalized in Israel for injuries including fractured ribs, blunt trauma to the abdomen and chest, and a perforated rectum, before being returned to the prison.
The military explained that the charges were being dropped because the leaked video did not depict abuse violent enough to warrant a criminal conviction and was improperly disclosed to the media. Additionally, the victim had been released back to Gaza, creating uncertainty about his ability to testify in a trial.
Sari Bashi, executive director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, criticized the military advocate general’s decision, stating that it condoned rape by Israeli soldiers if the victim was Palestinian. She highlighted a pattern of whitewashing abuses against detainees, which she claimed had worsened since October 7, 2023. Netanyahu criticized the investigation, emphasizing that Israel should focus on pursuing its enemies rather than its soldiers.
The case resulted in the dismissal of the military’s top legal official at the time of the soldiers’ arrest. In November 2025, Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi admitted to approving the leak of the incriminating video, leading to her resignation amid government pressure. The phone containing potential evidence against her, which was lost and later found on a Tel Aviv beach, added a mysterious twist to the unfolding events.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel had called for the closure of Sde Teiman, alleging severe violence and mistreatment of detainees, including the use of attack dogs and sexual assault, prolonged blindfolded and handcuffed confinement, and limited hygiene facilities. Israel has faced longstanding accusations of failing to hold its soldiers accountable for offenses against Palestinians, with increased scrutiny during the Gaza conflict. The country maintains that its military operations adhere to domestic and international laws, and it pledges thorough investigations into alleged abuses.
Prior to the leaked video, the Associated Press had investigated claims of inhumane treatment and abuse at Sde Teiman.
