An Israel Prison Authority parole board has denied a request for the early release of Shlomo Dvir and Ofir Gamliel, convicted members of the so-called Bat Ayin Cell. They were convicted for placing an explosive device outside an eastern Jerusalem girl’s school in 2002. The explosive device was detected and neutralized before blowing up. Gamliel and Dvir were sentenced to a 15-year prison terms for their anti-Arab terror activities.

The two asked the parole board to remove a third from their term as is the norm in the prison system for prisoners who behave well.

Honenu decried the parole board’s decision, pointing out that this coincides with the revolving door that releases Arab terrorists while Jews remain imprisoned. Honenu officials add that their request was turned down despite a promise made to former IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Avichai Ronsky, who remains active in his concern and care for the Jewish prisoners. Honenu explains that the Shin Bet and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein opposed removing a third from their term, and this was the decision of the parole board.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)