Israel Sets 2027 Target for First Hamas Terrorist Indictment

During a special parliamentary oversight hearing, Rothman urged the incoming head of the specialized military prosecution system, who is expected to be appointed within two weeks, to establish a strict timeline and set an indictment goal within their first week of service. The accelerated schedule aims to bypass bureaucracy and ensure swift justice through a special military tribunal, with trials commencing six months after the initial indictments and verdicts expected by 2028.

Rothman explained that the three-year delay in prosecuting the October 7 attackers resulted from high-level decisions to halt proceedings during hostage negotiations and a gag order on the number of detainees. To address this, Rothman and MK Yulia Malinovsky spearheaded legislation that passed five months ago to streamline the complex cases. Under this new framework, legal representation for the terrorists will be funded using Palestinian Authority funds.

The committee also addressed inter-agency budget disputes and staffing challenges within the Israel Prison Service. Officials discussed opposition to proposed staffing cuts as the service prepares for the intake and detention of thousands of terrorists arrested since the war began.