Dispute Erupts Between Israeli Prison Service and Police Over Suicide Attempt at Ashkelon Court

A man in his 40s, detained on suspicion of damaging his mother's door, attempted suicide during a hearing at Ashkelon Magistrate's Court by trying to hang himself with his shoelaces. Prison Service officers quickly intervened and saved his life, after which he was hospitalized for medical treatment.

Following the incident, a dispute arose between the Israel Police and the Israel Prison Service (IPS) regarding responsibility. Police claimed they had informed the IPS in advance about the detainee's suicidal background, implying that the IPS bore responsibility for the event. However, according to a report obtained by Channel 14, the police report given to the IPS before the hearing did not mention any suicidal tendencies, previous attempts, or self-harm risks.

An IPS source told Channel 14 that the police report contained no indication of suicidal behavior or self-harm, nor was any such information noted upon the detainee's admission. The source criticized the police for attempting to shift responsibility onto the IPS, stating, "It is unfortunate they try to pass the responsibility to us when they are not doing their job properly."

The IPS issued a statement emphasizing the professional conduct of its officers and the confidentiality maintained between security agencies. They described parts of the police report as "bordering on untruths" and praised the prison officers for their prompt action in saving the detainee's life.

The case highlights tensions between the police and IPS over communication and responsibility protocols in handling detainees with mental health risks during court proceedings.