Title: SHBS Commissioner Warns Against Ben Gvir’s Decision to Reduce Family Visits to Security Prisoners
Date: [Insert Date]
In a limited discussion held on Thursday, an intense confrontation ensued between Minister of National Security Ben Gvir and Cathy Perry, the SHBS Commissioner, concerning Ben Gvir’s attempt to reduce family visits to security prisoners. Commissioner Perry expressed her concerns about the potential consequences of the decision, while Minister Ben Gvir stood firm on upholding the law.
Commissioner Perry aligned herself with the resistance of the heads of the security establishment, emphasizing that reducing visits could incite prisoners and have repercussions beyond the prison walls. She asserted that the move could disrupt the delicate balance and security measures in place.
Minister Ben Gvir defended his decision, stating that he will not backtrack on reducing family visits to once every two months, as opposed to the current monthly visits. He argued that the language of the law only permits visits every two months and insisted on following it accordingly.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu intervened by canceling a scheduled discussion in the political-security cabinet, opting instead for a limited situation assessment in light of the upcoming Tishrei holidays. Commissioner Perry will be invited to the same discussion, where she is expected to reiterate her cautionary stance.
The decision to reduce visits has sparked a backlash, with security prisoners declaring a hunger strike set to commence next Thursday. The Shin Bet, the police, and the prison service have expressed their opposition to changing the visitation conditions without an orderly discussion and without consulting the security organizations. Officials within the security system have even warned that worsening conditions could initiate a new battleground.
In an unprecedented move, the Prime Minister’s office issued a statement clarifying that no decision has been made regarding the visitation policy. The statement emphasized that a special discussion involving all security agencies, as determined by Prime Minister Netanyahu, is required before any decisions are finalized.
The current debate surrounding Ben Gvir’s decision has ignited a contentious dialogue among the government, security agencies, and the public. As tensions rise, the fate of family visits to security prisoners hangs in the balance, awaiting further deliberation and consensus among the relevant stakeholders.