Israel Defense Ministry Document Suggests Oct. 7 Trials May Not Start Until 2028

The first indictments against terrorists involved in the October 7, 2023, massacre may not be filed until early 2028, according to an internal Ministry of Defense working document obtained by the newspaper "Israel Hayom." The document indicates that a specialized judicial complex in the Atarot area will not be operational before the end of 2027. Construction is slated to begin in January 2027, pending necessary permits. During the first half of 2027, the ministry plans to procure mobile buildings for the complex, recruit judges, and finalize its organizational structure. The latter half of the year will focus on establishing operational and communication centers and tendering for translator services, crucial for trials involving hundreds of Arabic-speaking defendants. Additionally, security personnel for the courts and supplementary staff for the Prison Service's "Nachshon" unit, responsible for escorting prisoners, will be hired. The plan also includes a national information program for the trials, featuring a central media hub and international broadcast capabilities. "Israel Hayom" reports that the project will require separate funding from the IDF, the Prison Service, and other agencies. A steering committee meeting is scheduled for November, after which the Defense Ministry is expected to present a budget plan for 2026-2027. On Wednesday, the Knesset's legislative committee will hold its first session to oversee the implementation of a law establishing a special military court for those involved in the October 7 attack and the abduction of soldiers and civilians.