National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has decided to appoint bereaved families as the official inspectors of security prisoners in Israeli jails, replacing professional civil-service appointees. The move was reported Monday night by Channel 12 and described as highly unusual.
Under Israeli law and international law, the inspection role is usually filled by about 100 professional monitors, typically from the State Attorney’s Office, the Justice Ministry and similar bodies. Their job is to oversee the prisoners and the conditions they receive. Ben Gvir has reduced that number to fewer than 20 and filled the posts with bereaved families, including the family of Herzl חג’ג’ and others.
The decision quickly triggered criticism in political circles, where unnamed figures said it was a “crazy decision” that violates the law and could damage Israel’s international relations. Former senior prison service officials also opposed the move, saying that although the families deserve respect, they are not an official or professional body. They warned it could lead to international criticism and to escalation inside and outside the prisons.
Aides to Ben Gvir said his goal is to toughen the conditions of security prisoners. The article says the step could also worsen tensions around prisoner issues tied to the hostage deal and broader security conditions in prison.
