MAG Dismisses Film Accusing IDF of War Crimes as Detached From Reality

The Military Advocate General, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi (referred to as MAG in military proceedings), addressed a controversial film accusing the IDF of war crimes during an international conference, dismissing its depictions as completely detached from reality. Speaking at the International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists (IJL), the MAG stated that the film distorts the very meaning of collateral damage and misrepresents military legal mechanisms.

"The film accuses the IDF of approving strikes expected to kill hundreds of civilians out of indifference or deliberate intent," the MAG said. "My officers are involved in target approval processes and drafting military orders, and I can state that this description is utterly disconnected from reality. Collateral damage assessments are designed precisely to measure expected civilian harm, with the sole purpose of preventing or minimizing it under the circumstances." She added that an indifferent army would not conduct such evaluations.

Addressing allegations of genocide in Gaza, the general noted that Israel was accused of genocide as early as October 13, 2023—just six days after the October 7 massacre, before any ground troops entered the Strip. She emphasized that harming civilians has never been a military goal, and that the IDF distinguishes between Hamas and the civilian population, despite Hamas's deliberate use of human shields.

Regarding law enforcement in the West Bank, the MAG stated that soldiers witnessing violence are obligated to intervene and detain suspects. She acknowledged that despite measures such as restraining orders and closed military zones, authorities have not yet succeeded in fully halting extremist violence, and efforts to enforce accountability will continue.