Defense Minister Katz Orders Not to Renew Administrative Detention Restriction on Right-Wing Activist Yinon Dradik

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed not to renew the administrative detention restriction order against right-wing activist Yinon Dradik. The decision follows a prolonged meeting between Katz and Dradik at the detention facility, amid growing public and political pressure including a petition by Knesset members calling for Dradik's release and Dradik's hunger strike.

The Defense Ministry clarified that the order was not renewed due to procedural flaws identified by the military appeals committee, which accepted an appeal against the restriction issued by the Central Command commander based on Shin Bet's recommendation. Katz directed authorities to address the issue through alternative means.

Dradik is suspected by the security establishment of abusing Palestinians, including allegations of tying a detainee's genitals to handcuffs, accusations he vehemently denies. The meeting reportedly aimed to ensure Dradik's safety, with Katz offering house arrest at friends' homes as an alternative, which Dradik declined.

This development comes amid a broader security context in the West Bank, with the Defense Ministry responding to an expanding media campaign advocating for Dradik's release while revealing the serious allegations against him. The Shin Bet document and Central Command's involvement underscore the gravity of the case within Israel's security framework.