Israeli Coalition Demands Halt to Administrative Detentions of Jewish Settlers by Central Command

A political controversy has erupted within the Israeli coalition over the use of administrative detention against Jewish settlers in the West Bank. The dispute centers on Central Command Chief Avi Blot, who is accused by coalition members of circumventing Defense Minister Israel Katz's directive to stop administrative detentions of Jewish settlers. The case involves 28-year-old settler Tal Yinon Dradik, a father of four, who has been subjected to a series of restrictions and detention orders.

Several prominent Knesset members have publicly condemned Blot's actions. MK Ariel Kallner described the situation as "unbearable" and urged urgent intervention by the political leadership, stating that the military is exploiting loopholes to impose administrative measures that forcibly remove individuals from their homes. MK Limor Son Har Melech criticized Blot for what she called a "campaign of harassment and persecution" against Dradik, emphasizing that such actions violate the rule of law and constitute abuse of draconian powers.

MK Avichai Boaron expressed deep shock at Dradik's detention conditions and called for all relevant authorities to ensure he receives a fair trial, highlighting the injustice of harsh detention conditions based on religious identity. MK Tzvi Sukkot also condemned the use of administrative orders against Israeli citizens, labeling them anti-democratic and pointing out the discriminatory enforcement compared to criminal families in Israel.

MK Tali Gottlieb criticized both the Jewish Division of the Shin Bet and Central Command, accusing Blot of using his powers excessively and questioning the military's stance against the Jewish public in the West Bank. Dradik, represented by the legal organization Honenu, was initially placed under a restrictive administrative order confining him to house arrest at his deaf and widowed mother-in-law's home, a condition he could not endure. After refusing to comply, he was detained without time limits, evidence disclosure, or a proper criminal trial. Dradik began a hunger strike upon detention, later escalating to a water strike.

The coalition members demand an immediate end to these administrative detentions and call on Defense Minister Katz to enforce his directive and prevent further rights violations against Jewish settlers.