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MK Simcha Rothman lashes out after judicial representatives miss October 7 terrorist meeting

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A Knesset committee meeting on extending detention and visitation rights for Hamas terrorists arrested after October 7 was twice postponed due to the absence of judiciary representatives.
  • Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rothman accused the Justice Ministry of contempt for the Knesset and vowed to block their legislation until answers are provided.
  • Rothman asserted that no Hamas terrorists would be released, even if detention extensions were not approved, though it would increase work for legal counsel.

A crucial Knesset committee meeting aimed at discussing the extension of detention and visitation rights for Hamas terrorists captured after the October 7 attacks was twice postponed due to the repeated failure of judiciary representatives to attend. The committee, chaired by MK Simcha Rothman, was scheduled to address these sensitive issues on Monday.

I have a feeling they will come when they want to pass a law later on the agenda, and until they provide answers, none of their legislation will be advanced.

— MK Simcha RothmanRothman expressed his frustration with the Justice Ministry's absence and threatened to block their legislative efforts.

Rothman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Justice Ministry's absence, labeling it a "contempt for the Knesset." He declared that no legislation from the ministry would advance until they provided satisfactory explanations for their non-attendance. "I have a feeling they will come when they want to pass a law later on the agenda, and until they provide answers, none of their legislation will be advanced," Rothman stated, highlighting his intention to use legislative leverage.

He further emphasized that under no circumstances would the terrorists be released. "Even if we do not approve [the detention extensions], no Nukhba terrorist will be released," Rothman asserted. He explained that the failure to approve extensions would merely necessitate more frequent court requests for detention, increasing the workload for government legal counsel and the State Attorney's Office. Rothman vowed to hold a recess and then a vote, underscoring his commitment to the committee's work despite the disruptions.

Even if we do not approve [the detention extensions], no Nukhba terrorist will be released.

— MK Simcha RothmanRothman assured that the terrorists would not be released, even if the detention extensions were not formally approved by the committee.

Adding to the criticism, MK Moshe Saada accused Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara of criminal conduct, alleging abuse of official authority, extortion, and breach of trust. Saada revealed he had approached the civil service commissioner to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Baharav-Miara, indicating a deep rift between some lawmakers and the judiciary's leadership regarding the handling of post-October 7 detainees.

I approached the civil service commissioner and asked him to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Gali.

— MK Moshe SaadaSaada detailed his actions against the Attorney-General, accusing her of misconduct.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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