Dispute Between Ben Gvir and Shas Delays Red Cross Visit Ban Bill in Israeli Coalition

A sharp conflict erupted within Israel's coalition on Monday over a bill aimed at preventing Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners involved in the Neveh Tzuf attack. Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of Otzma Yehudit and a cabinet minister, harshly criticized the Shas party for requesting a delay in advancing the bill last week. Ben Gvir accused Shas of obstructing the bill's immediate progress and warned that due to expected opposition votes, the bill cannot be brought to a vote this Wednesday as Shas proposes. He further claimed that any delay beyond today would render the bill irrelevant and accused Shas of directly harming Israel's security by allowing the anti-Semitic organization to visit the prisoners and spread libel against prison guards and the state. Ben Gvir described the situation as a return of a "Der'i-Tibi deal," calling it shameful.

In response, Shas firmly rejected Ben Gvir's accusations, affirming their full support for the bill. They explained that their proposal to postpone the vote until Wednesday was intended to ensure the bill's smooth passage immediately after the Basic Law on Torah Study is enacted, in line with a prior agreement with the coalition chairman. Shas criticized Ben Gvir's insistence on holding the vote today, suggesting his motives were more about political posturing than the bill's success. Meanwhile, Israel Police Commissioner Danni Levi convened a special meeting on the issue of crime within the religious Zionist community.

The dispute highlights tensions within the coalition over legislative priorities and security concerns, with the bill's future uncertain amid political maneuvering. The coalition must now navigate these internal disagreements to determine when and how the bill will proceed to a vote.