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About
Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi is an Israeli jurist and high-ranking military officer who has served as the Military Advocate General (MAG) of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since February 1, 2021, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position. As the IDF's top legal officer, she oversees the implementation of the rule of law within the IDF, providing legal advice to commanders, ensuring compliance with international and domestic law in military operations (including intelligence operations), and leading investigations into allegations of misconduct by soldiers and officers. Her role is critical in integrating legal standards into military decision-making, particularly during conflicts and emergencies, and she heads the MAG Corps, which advises on all legal fronts to support the IDF's objectives while upholding ethical and legal norms.
Tomer-Yerushalmi's career in the IDF spans over two decades, beginning with her commissioning into the MAG Corps after completing her legal studies. She rose through the ranks, serving in various legal roles, including as a military judge and head of the International Law Department within the MAG Corps. Her expertise in international humanitarian law, military justice, and operational legal advising has been pivotal in shaping IDF policies on issues such as targeted killings, detentions, and responses to armed conflicts. Prior to her appointment as MAG, she held positions that involved prosecuting and defending cases in military courts, contributing to the corps' mandate of fostering a culture of legality among IDF personnel.
Appointed by then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, Tomer-Yerushalmi's tenure has been marked by high-profile challenges, including legal oversight of operations in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as responses to international scrutiny over IDF conduct. She continues to play a key role in balancing military necessities with legal accountability, advising on compliance with the Geneva Conventions and Israeli law amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.