Court Questions Continued Detention of Tal Yinon Dradik After Administrative Order Cancellation

The Magistrate's Court held a hearing on the release of Tal Yinon Dradik, who was detained following the cancellation of an administrative order issued against him by Central Command Chief Avi Blot. Dradik's detention stemmed from violating this order, but the military appeals court annulled it, and a subsequent appeal by Blot was rejected by the Jerusalem District Court. Dradik appeared in court with attorney Nati Rom from Honenu, who argued for his release and removal of restraints.

During the hearing, Judge Amir Shaked questioned why Dradik remained in custody despite the cancellation of the original order, stating, "Why is Dradik still detained behind bars? I hinted yesterday that he should be released." The police indicated they did not oppose Dradik's release under conditions, including a new exclusion order from Judea and Samaria. The police explained that court rulings justified such orders but questioned the commander's authority to issue them.

Dradik expressed to Channel 7 that although he felt physically weak, he remained strong in spirit. He criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz and Avi Blot for pursuing a policy of obsessive persecution against settlements without justification. Dradik emphasized his innocence and his demand to return to his farm. He requested permission to hug his children, which was pending approval from the prison commander.

The judge said he would issue a decision soon and noted that if he ordered Dradik's release without conditions, the police would have time to appeal. Dradik said he hoped to be freed soon and return to his farm, underscoring that his release depended on policy decisions.