Work begins on Atarot complex for October 7 terrorist trials, MK says

Preparations are underway for a specialized court complex in Atarot, northern Jerusalem, intended to prosecute hundreds of individuals suspected of involvement in the October 7 massacre. Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee chairman MK Simcha Rothman announced that work has commenced at the designated site near the Kalandiya crossing.

Rothman, who toured the location with Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yair Barkat, the project manager appointed by the IDF chief of staff, and representatives from various security and logistical bodies, stated that the site is being prepared for the construction. This marks a transition from legislation to implementation following the Knesset's recent 93-0 approval of a law establishing a special framework for these trials.

The new law aims to address the unprecedented legal and logistical challenges of prosecuting numerous suspects for alleged crimes including murder, abduction, and sexual violence committed during the October 7 attacks. It also provides for evidence preservation, witness protection, and public documentation of the events. The framework is designed to prosecute Hamas terrorists and others captured inside Israel, with potential charges ranging from terrorism and murder to sexual violence and genocide-related offenses.

A budget exceeding NIS 1 billion has been allocated for the years 2026-2029 to cover the construction of the court complex, prosecution offices, IDF facilities, secure transport systems, and other operational requirements. Bulldozers have reportedly begun preparing the ground at the site.