A controversial bill that would allow the extremist Israeli minister of national security to detain Palestinians without charges for up to six months is set to be discussed by the Israeli cabinet today, according to Israeli media.
The bill, proposed by a lawmaker from the extremist Otzma Yehudit party, would grant Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of the party and the current minister of national security, sweeping powers to order administrative detention for any Palestinian he deems a threat to public security, with the consent of a senior legal official.
Administrative detention is a measure that allows the Israeli occupation to hold Palestinians from the occupied territories without trial or charge, often based on secret evidence. The practice has been widely criticized by human rights groups as a violation of due process and international law.
The bill would also enable Ben-Gvir, who has a history of racism and incitement against Palestinians, to impose various restrictions on the movement, residence and activities of Palestinians, including banning them from traveling abroad, buying certain goods and services, or living in certain areas.
The bill is seen as targeting mainly Palestinians who hold Israeli citizenship, who make up about 20% of the population and face systematic discrimination and oppression by the occupation state. Palestinian leaders in Israel have accused the police of neglecting crime and violence in their communities and allowing criminal gangs to operate with impunity.
The bill is expected to face strong opposition from some members of the coalition government, which includes parties from across the political spectrum, as well as from civil society groups and legal experts who warn that it would undermine the rule of law and human rights in Israel.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=44158
