Israel launches probe into leak of video showing troops raping Palestinian prisoner

Israel is set to launch a criminal investigation to determine who leaked footage from the infamous Sde Teiman detention centre, which showed the alleged rape of a Palestinian detainee. 

The decision, made by Attorney General of Israel Gali Baharav-Miara, was announced on Wednesday and will include a probe into individuals who distributed the video aired by the Israeli Channel 12 in early August last year. 

Several lawmakers and ministers - including three who joined a storming of the prison after soldiers suspected of raping a prisoner were detained - have praised Baharav-Miara's decision. 

Defense Minister Israel Katz said he "welcomes and supports" the launch of the criminal probe, calling it a "serious affair that created a blood libel" against Israeli soldiers.

Previously, a number of Israeli officials – including far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir – called for a probe to be opened to look into individuals who captured the video and leaked it. 

Read more: Israel launches probe into leak of video showing troops raping Palestinian prisoner