Israeli Prison Officer Reveals Early 2000s Policy of Replacing Prisoners' Food Complaints to Minister Ben Gvir

An Israeli prison officer recounted to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir a policy from the early 2000s in which Palestinian security prisoners could reject their fruit and vegetable deliveries, prompting staff to replace them. The officer, who served at the Hadarim detention center, described how a special wing housed security prisoners, including those involved in attacks on the Park Hotel. Before their holidays, these prisoners received produce shipments, but if they were dissatisfied, they returned the goods. Because the officer held a truck driving license, he was tasked with personally going to the wholesale market in Tel Aviv to procure fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks for the prisoners. He emphasized that this practice reflected a very different approach compared to current policies, praising the minister for the stricter management now in place. The officer's testimony highlighted changes in prison governance over time and was shared during a meeting at the Abu Kabir detention center.