Netanyahu: Leaked prison video did ‘serious’ damage to Israel’s image

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the leak of a video from a detention facility showing the alleged abuse of a Palestinian detainee was perhaps the most “severe public relations attack” on Israel since its founding.

Netanyahu made the remarks during his weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday, referring to the clip that sparked outrage after it was aired by Israel’s Channel 12 television in August last year.

Israel’s top military prosecutor, Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, resigned on Friday in connection with the affair at the Sde Teiman detention camp.

Israeli media reported that she took responsibility for releasing the footage, saying it was done to counter “false propaganda directed against the military law enforcement authorities.”

The comment apparently alludes to attempts by some in Israel to portray the video and reports of detainee abuse as fabricated.

The video reportedly shows the severe mistreatment of a Hamas militant. Five reservists were indicted in February over the incident. Lawyers for the accused have strongly denied allegations of sexual assault.

Media reports said the detainee was injured so badly that he required hospital treatment, though this is not clearly visible on the security footage, as soldiers partially obscure the view with their shields.

The human rights group Amnesty International has accused Israel of mistreating and torturing Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip at Sde Teiman. Various media outlets have also reported allegations of abuse at the site.

She offered her resignation after an investigation was launched last week into whether members of the Military Advocate General’s office were involved in releasing the footage.