Netanyahu Calls Prisoner Abuse Video Leak Israel's Most Serious PR Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the leak of a video showing Israeli soldiers allegedly abusing a Palestinian prisoner at the Sde Teiman detention facility as the most serious public-relations attack Israel has faced since its founding, emphasizing the significant reputational damage to Israel and the IDF. The video, leaked in 2024, led to public outrage, the resignation of Israel's top military prosecutor Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who admitted to approving the leak, and calls from Netanyahu for an independent and impartial inquiry. The incident involved the arrest and indictment of several soldiers on charges related to the abuse, which reportedly caused severe injuries to the prisoner. Despite the serious allegations, some right-wing Israeli officials and lawmakers have described the leak as a "blood libel" against the accused soldiers, questioning the legitimacy of the charges. The controversy sparked protests by right-wing activists and raised debates over the authority to investigate the incident, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin challenging the Attorney General's role. Human rights organizations have condemned the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, underscoring the broader issue of detainee abuse by Israeli forces.