Father of Abu Khdeir's Killer Demands Answers on Son's Prison Death

The father of Yosef Haim Ben-David, who was convicted of the murder of Muhammad Abu Khdeir, is demanding an investigation into the circumstances of his son's death in Ramla Prison. The family, represented by the Honenu organization, claims that despite repeated warnings about Ben-David's deteriorating condition, he did not receive adequate medical care. Ben-David was transferred from Ayalon Prison to Ramla Prison during the summer, after which his condition worsened. His lawyer alerted prison officials that Ben-David was confused, suffering memory loss, and unsure if he had taken his medication. During a prison visit in early September, his brother observed him "convulsing, barely speaking, trembling, and catatonic." The lawyer urgently requested his transfer, warning of a "life-threatening situation." Ben-David died on September 24. According to the family's request, the day before his death, he was hospitalized at the IPS mental health center but was returned to his cell the same night. His father alleges the family was not promptly informed of his death, learning about it through a media announcement. The request states, "The IPS released the deceased without a funeral, without medical treatment, neglecting him to his death." Ben-David was convicted of the brutal 2014 murder of 16-year-old Muhammad Abu Khdeir, who was abducted and murdered in Jerusalem. He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus twenty years. The Israel Prison Service stated that the circumstances of the death are being investigated by an internal committee and that prisoners receive medical treatment based on their condition and professional medical judgment.