Israeli prisons chief slams 'irresponsible' Ben-Gvir for no extension

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
26 Dec 2023 23:34
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Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir alleges that the Prisons Service Commissioner Katy Perry has not implemented his policies and has worked against them.

Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (AFP)

Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has opted not to extend the term of the Israeli Prisons Service Commissioner Katy Perry, citing a complete lack of confidence in her, Israeli media reported.

Ben-Gvir accused Perry of not implementing his policies and has worked against them, The Times of Israel mentioned. He also accused her of engaging in negotiations with imprisoned Hamas members regarding their detainment terms and criticized her for other incidents he deems "unacceptable".

According to the newspaper, the Israeli Minister has also held discussions with Israeli Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai about extending his tenure, indicating that further meetings on this matter will take place.

The Times of Israel noted that Ben-Gvir had Initially intended to replace both Shabtai and Perry rather than extend their terms. However, his plans were delayed due to the outbreak of the war on Gaza on October 7.

Describing "irresponsible" Ben-Gvir's decision as "childish" and a "detachment from reality," Perry said, "An unsurprising decision by an irresponsible minister that combines unfounded and baseless claims, a detachment from reality and childishness that show his lack of understanding of the prisons service."

It is worth noting that the "National Unity" party, led by war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, had demanded, as a condition for entering the government on October 11, that no senior officials be replaced while the Netanyahu coalition is in place.

In a statement, the party expressed concern that replacing senior officials "at this time harms the functioning" of "Israel" during a time of war and is not right.

It said that it expected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "to prevent this harm" to "Israel's" security, urging against decisions influenced by political considerations in the management of the ongoing war in Gaza.