Haaretz Critiques Ben Gvir's Prison Policies as Torturous
An editorial published in Haaretz has issued a strong condemnation of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and the policies of the Israel Prison Service regarding Palestinian prisoners. The editorial draws a stark comparison between the treatment of these prisoners and that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann during his incarceration in Israel.
The piece asserts that since the attack on October 7, the conditions for Palestinian prisoners have worsened significantly. It details claims of hunger, violence, and humiliation inflicted by prison guards. The editorial begins with the story of Hiba Alawi, a 38-year-old mother of five from Judea and Samaria, who was convicted for attempting to enter Israel illegally in order to support her family. Alawi spent five and a half months in Damon Prison, where she reportedly faced severe food shortages.
According to the editorial, Alawi's daily meals were inadequate, often consisting of only six slices of bread, with other meals providing minimal sustenance. The editorial describes her experience of hunger and the poor quality of food provided by the Israel Prison Service, which included stale bread and insufficient portions of lentils and rice.
Allegations of Inhumane Treatment Uncovered
In addition to the starvation claims, the editorial alleges that Alawi was subjected to brutal treatment by prison guards. It describes instances of physical violence, including being shackled painfully, beaten, and humiliated. The guards reportedly used tear gas and stun grenades near her, and she suffered injuries such as a torn fingernail and broken teeth. The editorial also mentions that Alawi and other female prisoners were subjected to degrading strip searches and suffered from scabies.
Approved for Dissemination
The editorial goes on to directly criticize Ben Gvir, stating that under his leadership, Israel's security prisons have devolved into facilities of torture. It draws a historical parallel, noting that Eichmann was not subjected to such inhumane treatment during his imprisonment, highlighting a perceived moral decline in the current government's approach to prison policies.
In its conclusion, Haaretz accuses Ben Gvir of using the harsh conditions in prisons as a political tool for electoral gain, while also criticizing the leadership of the Israel Prison Service for their complicity in these practices. The editorial emphasizes that the cruelty displayed in these facilities is central to Ben Gvir's political agenda, raising serious ethical concerns about the treatment of prisoners in Israel.
