Ex-Media Executive Admits Sde Teiman Footage Should Never Have Aired

Ram Landes, one of the founders of Channel 2 News, stated that he would never have broadcasted the controversial and manipulated footage from the Sde Teiman facility, which depicted reservists of Force 100. Speaking at the annual conference of the Zionist Leadership Foundation, Landes admitted that in hindsight, he would not have published the material even if it were true.

The footage, originally aired by Israeli media reporter Guy Peleg, attempted to implicate Force 100 fighters in the alleged sexual abuse of a Nukhba terrorist. The broadcast, based on heavily edited video, fueled a wave of international antisemitism and hostility against Israel while severely damaging the reputation of the soldiers, who were subsequently forced to launch a protracted campaign to clear their names.

The dissemination of the Sde Teiman video triggered international repercussions, being utilized by Hamas and anti-Israel organizations in global propaganda campaigns. The footage was cited as purported evidence of detainee abuse in a United Nations report and drew condemnations from the Biden administration and foreign governments. Despite the severe reputational damage inflicted on the state and its military personnel, the broadcasting network has yet to issue a formal apology to the members of Force 100.

Meanwhile, former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi has yet to face accountability for her involvement in the affair. Following a High Court of Justice ruling allowing the prosecution to resume handling the case, a senior legal official estimated that Tomer-Yerushalmi may seek a plea bargain. According to assessments, prosecutors aim to avoid a formal trial that could expose further details regarding the conduct of senior officials, including Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.