IDF legal chief to issue key rulings on Gaza war crimes allegations in coming weeks - exclusive

Maj.-Gen. Itay Offir, the IDF's Military Advocate General, is preparing to release significant decisions concerning allegations of war crimes in Gaza within the next few weeks. These rulings will be the first public pronouncements from Offir on Gaza-related legal matters since he assumed office in November 2025.

The upcoming decisions will cover several high-profile incidents, notably the April 2024 World Central Kitchen incident and the March 2025 Palestinian Red Crescent incident. The scope of these rulings suggests Offir is addressing some of the most scrutinized events involving the IDF in Gaza.

These announcements are seen as Offir's initial engagement on the international legal stage concerning Gaza. His predecessor, Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, resigned abruptly in October 2025, along with key staff, following an admission of illegally leaking video evidence in the Sde Teiman saga case. This event had significantly lowered morale within the IDF legal division.

Offir's mandate includes rebuilding confidence in the IDF legal division, both internally and externally. Early in his tenure, he reportedly met with every sub-unit of the division, which comprises hundreds of lawyers and support staff, to understand their needs and help restore their confidence.

Furthermore, Offir benefits from a strong existing relationship with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, having previously served as Zamir's top lawyer at the Defense Ministry. This established rapport is expected to facilitate cooperation between the legal division and the broader IDF command structure.