An Israel Defense Forces judge on Tuesday ordered the release of 18 Hamas legislators, including three cabinet ministers, detained in a dragnet launched after Gilad Shalit was abducted by Palestinian militants.

“The judge has made a decision, and it now comes down to which detainees are released,” an IDF spokesman said earlier.

A lawyer for the detainees said the release roster issued by Ofer Military Court included at least three Palestinian cabinet ministers. But implementation of the ruling was deferred until Thursday so prosecutors could appeal.