Coalition Fears Ultra-Orthodox Will Block Law Banning Red Cross Visits to Hamas Prisoners

The Israeli Knesset is set to hold a first reading on Monday evening for a bill that would prohibit Red Cross visits to Hamas Nohaiba prisoners in Israeli jails. However, coalition members express growing concern that the ultra-Orthodox parties may vote against the bill, continuing their voting boycott until their own legislative demands are met. One key demand is the Basic Law on Torah Study, scheduled for a first reading on Wednesday. Failure to pass the bill tonight would prevent further discussion in the current Knesset session or application of continuity rules in the next.

Coalition chairman Ofir Katz urged all Knesset members, including opposition Zionist parties, to support the bill, warning that if it fails, the Nohaiba prisoners would continue to receive assistance. Katz stressed that these prisoners have previously been aided through visits that smuggled goods and equipment, damaging Israel’s legitimacy.

The ultra-Orthodox boycott stems from their insistence that their own bills be advanced first. Otzma Yehudit criticized this stance, calling it shameful to trade Israel’s security for political interests and warning that Shas leaders would bear responsibility if the bill fails. Shas responded that they support the bill but proposed delaying its vote until after the Torah Study Basic Law passes, as agreed with the coalition chairman. They accused Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir of prioritizing political maneuvering over the bill’s passage.

Ben-Gvir countered that the bill is being brought forward now because Shas requested a delay last week, and that opposition resistance would prevent a Wednesday vote, rendering the bill irrelevant. He accused Shas of harming Israel’s security by allowing the antisemitic organization to visit Nohaiba prisoners and spread defamatory claims against prison staff and Israel. Ben-Gvir described the situation as a return of a "Deri-Tibi deal," condemning it as disgraceful.

The debate highlights tensions within the coalition over legislative priorities and security concerns related to Hamas prisoners, with the bill’s fate uncertain as political disputes continue.