Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removed the item from the security cabinet agenda following opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Israel Prison Service.
• The National Security Council, led by Tzachi Hanegbi, had advanced limited access for ICRC delegates to prisoners from groups other than Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including Fatah members.
• IPS officials and intelligence representatives argued that such visits could jeopardize prison operations and state security and erode leverage while Israeli hostages receive no visits in Gaza.
• A late-night cabinet discussion turned acrimonious, culminating in a shouting exchange between Ben-Gvir and Hanegbi after Netanyahu left the meeting early.
• Israel has blocked ICRC visits to Palestinian security inmates since October 7, 2023, and the issue remains under legal pressure through petitions and High Court scrutiny.