Israeli Prison Service Tightens Detention Conditions for Infiltrators in Saharonim Prison

The Israeli Prison Service (IPS) has implemented a stricter policy in the new infiltrators' (Shabachim) wing at Saharonim Prison, aiming to send a clear deterrent message to illegal migrants and those aiding them. The detention conditions now closely resemble those of security prisoners, featuring enhanced security, significantly reduced yard time, and limited access to canteen and food to essential needs only.

An internal IPS document reveals plans to designate infiltrators as a separate prisoner category, termed the "fourth population," with dedicated wings enforcing uniform custody regimes, strict discipline, and unique detention conditions. The objective is to strengthen security, improve governance, and increase deterrence. Inmates currently held in other prisons will gradually be transferred to these specialized units.

During an exclusive visit to the new wing, inmates included a resident of Yatta serving nine months for transporting illegal migrants, who cited economic hardship as his motive. Another inmate from Jericho used a visit by the National Security Minister to complain about the harsher conditions. The IPS stressed this is only the initial phase, with plans to further tighten conditions to match those in security prisoner wings, while complying with legal requirements.

The Ministry of National Security hopes the tougher regime will discourage illegal entry and assistance by demonstrating the real risk of imprisonment under severe conditions. This policy shift reflects a broader effort to curb the influx of illegal Arab migrants into Israel.