Israel’s former Military Advocate General, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, is under intense scrutiny after telling interrogators she “really doesn’t remember” key details surrounding her disappearance and the suspected destruction of her cellphone, which police believe may contain evidence of obstruction in a widening leak investigation.

The scandal, tied to a controversial video showing detainee abuse at the Sde Teiman facility, has already led to her resignation and arrest alongside former chief prosecutor Matan Solomosh.

Tomer-Yerushalmi vanished last Sunday after abandoning her car near Hof HaTzouk beach in Tel Aviv and leaving behind what appeared to be a suicide note. She was later found alive but without her phone. Interrogation transcripts aired by Channel 12 revealed her confusion about the phone’s fate and a call traced to her husband: “I have no idea, I might have dropped it into the sea... I really don’t remember.”

Investigators suspect the phone held critical evidence related to a WhatsApp group chat where seven IDF officers debated how to respond to right-wing backlash over soldier arrests at Sde Teiman. Tomer-Yerushalmi allegedly approved a “targeted leak” of a video showing abuse of a Palestinian detainee, writing, “Now we’re taking this into our own hands.” The leak sparked outrage from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and allies, prompting her resignation.

The probe has expanded to include two additional IDF officers, including one who allegedly misrepresented the status of the internal investigation. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara’s office had previously deemed the case “exhausted,” but was barred from further involvement by Justice Minister Yariv Levin due to perceived conflicts of interest.

Military leadership faces mounting pressure, with sources suggesting a possible overhaul of the MAG unit. Brig. Gen. Roni Katzir defended the broader team, stating, “It’s dangerous to taint the entire unit over one bad event.”

Public backlash has intensified, with Beitar Jerusalem fans displaying a banner depicting Tomer-Yerushalmi in a Hamas uniform and calling for the arrest of Channel 12 journalist Guy Peleg. Netanyahu labeled the leak “the most serious PR attack” against Israel, as coalition lawmakers push forward media regulation bills that passed a first reading Monday.

Tomer-Yerushalmi’s split from Solomosh reflects deeper fractures within the military legal system. As hearings continue, the case poses a critical test of military accountability and transparency in a nation already grappling with war and internal divisions.