Bogie Ya’alon Responds to Israel Katz: “Neither a Blood Libel nor a Shoe Issue”

Serious Allegations in the Sheda Timan Case

In a recent interview with Annat Davidov and Oudi Segal on 103FM, former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon discussed the significant developments surrounding the Sheda Timan case, particularly focusing on the resignation of the military advocate general (MAG). Ya’alon emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling the MAG’s false affidavit to the Supreme Court as a severe breach that misled the legal system.

Ya’alon stated, “There is no doubt that what happened with the MAG is a very serious act. The most severe aspect is the false affidavit to the High Court, which misled the system. This casts a heavy shadow over the prosecution, and unfortunately, it will be exploited by political factions wishing to seize control of the civilian and military judicial systems.”

Context of the Resignation

The discussion touched upon the strained circumstances leading to the MAG’s actions. Ya’alon suggested that these decisions stemmed from significant pressure and a sense of desperation. He maintained that while there is clear evidence showing that the soldiers in the Sheda Timan incident did not act appropriately, the MAG’s handling of the situation was not justified.

Government Priorities and Regional Security

Further, Ya’alon criticized the government’s priorities, asserting that its primary focus has shifted towards its own survival. He noted that there was a lack of willingness from certain political leaders, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, to release hostages or pursue a ceasefire. According to Ya’alon, these decisions have been heavily influenced by external pressures, including those from former President Donald Trump.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, stating, “The reality is difficult; hostile entities such as Turkey and Hamas have entered Gaza, something we have been able to prevent for years. Currently, we are in a very challenging situation-our freedom of operation in Gaza has been lost. This is a very complex state of affairs.”

Ya’alon’s insights reflect a deep concern regarding both legal integrity and national security, highlighting the challenges faced by Israel in the current geopolitical climate.