MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan is advancing legislation to bar the Red Cross from visiting Palestinian security prisoners, arguing such visits would be 'a PR disaster' for Israel. The bill comes days after a similar coalition initiative failed in the Knesset.
MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan announced Tuesday evening that she is seeking to ban the International Committee of the Red Cross from visiting Palestinian security prisoners held in Israeli prisons, calling such visits 'a PR disaster' for the state of Israel. The statement signals a renewed push on the issue after a broader coalition bill — co-drafted by Distel-Atbaryan and MK Keti Shitrit — was defeated in the Knesset on June 29, 41-36, after Haredi factions boycotted the vote, leading to a physical altercation in the chamber. That bill had aimed to bar Red Cross access to prisoners from Hamas's Nukhba force, who participated in the October 7, 2023 attack. The new initiative's scope is not yet fully detailed, and Distel-Atbaryan did not specify a timeline for filing. The Red Cross has faced mounting political pressure in Israel following a High Court of Justice ruling that ordered the state to allow its visits to Palestinian prisoners; a separate report Monday suggested the organization had halted visits to one prisoner in compliance with the court directive. Ben Gvir's camp has accused Shas leader Aryeh Deri of pushing for Red Cross access, calling it an 'axis' with Arab parties.
- DevelopingShas to oppose bill barring Red Cross visits to security prisoners, Ben Gvir charges
- DevelopingRed Cross visits to a Palestinian prisoner reportedly halted following a court ruling
- DevelopingShouting match near physical altercation in Knesset as Red Cross bill defeated
- DevelopingRed Cross reportedly to be allowed to visit Nukhba terrorists in prison
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