The proposal, staunchly opposed by Nationwide Safety Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Israel Jail Service, will likely be mentioned in one other discussion board, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Nationwide Safety Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of leaking particulars about potential cupboard votes to the media, KAN reported Friday.
“Earlier than and throughout the cupboard assembly, I noticed briefings on Arutz Sheva, Israel Hayom, and different locations about who helps and opposes the choice on Purple Cross visits to prisons,” Netanyahu mentioned throughout the cupboard assembly after standing up and accusing Ben-Gvir. He then eliminated the proposal for Purple Cross visits from the agenda, to be mentioned in one other discussion board.
Sources point out that that is the “humanitarian cupboard,” which consists of Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and MK Arye Deri, which meets occasionally to debate humanitarian help being despatched to Gaza.
What was the Nationwide Safety proposal on Purple Cross visits?
The proposal in query, put ahead by the Nationwide Safety Council, would have allowed Purple Cross staff to go to terrorists in Israeli prisons. Nevertheless, it was reportedly eliminated, because of the Nationwide Safety Council understanding that it could by no means acquire a majority of help from the ministers.
The proposal had two main factors.
Worldwide Purple Cross automobiles drive by on the day of the handover of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander to the Worldwide Purple Cross, within the Gaza Strip Might 12, 2025. (credit score: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed)
First, in accordance with Shin Wager (Israel Safety Company) suggestions, it could be prohibited for the Purple Cross staff to go to or obtain details about prisoners from Gaza, in addition to prisoners affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Secondly, the Purple Cross can be allowed to go to all different terrorist prisoners, topic to restrictions from safety officers.
This was meant to be a stability Excessive Court docket of Justice rulings and worldwide obligations with the necessity to tighten restrictions on terrorists linked to the principle teams in Gaza.
Nevertheless, Ben-Gvir had nonetheless voiced his opposition.
“Whereas Hamas continues to carry hostages in Gaza, it’s not possible for terrorists to profit from visits and preferential situations,” he mentioned. “The Nationwide Safety Council’s proposal is a severe mistake that indicators weak spot to the enemy.”
