Hundreds Rally in Jerusalem Demanding Release of Hunger-Striking Settler Activist Tal Yinon Dardik

Hundreds gathered on Wednesday evening in Jerusalem near the Russian Compound detention center to read the Book of Lamentations and recite kinnot in a mass protest demanding the release of settler activist Tal Yinon Dardik. Dardik, who has been on a hunger strike for 17 days, is currently held under administrative detention issued by Central Command Chief Avi Blot. The demonstrators called on Defense Minister Israel Katz to intervene immediately due to Dardik's rapidly deteriorating health condition, described as life-threatening.

Among the participants were Knesset Member Limor Son-Har Malka, former MK and Zehut party leader Moshe Feiglin, journalist Ziv Maor, and others. The legal organization Honenu has demanded Dardik's urgent transfer to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment, citing repeated fainting spells, significant weight loss, a body temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, and declining vital signs.

Tal Yinon Dardik, a resident of a West Bank outpost in Binyamin and father of four, was arrested about two and a half weeks ago for allegedly violating a full house arrest order imposed on him at his deaf, widowed mother-in-law's home. Dardik disputes the order's validity, stating his mother-in-law was never informed. Since his arrest, he has protested through a hunger strike, with his condition worsening amid what his supporters call systemic neglect of his health and requests by the authorities.