Bayit Yehudi party leader Minister Naftali Bennet is the target of increasing criticism. Many supporters of the dati leumi party wondering why he and his colleagues remain silent amid reports of Jewish detainees being tortured by ISA interrogators.

Bennet spoke with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday morning 10 Teves, rejecting the allegations that interrogation methods involve law-breaking activities. Bennet explained that he has total confidence in Israel’s security agencies, including the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), and he remains confident that the methods used during interrogation are within the framework of the law. He added we are dealing with “Tens of terrorists who do not represent the settlement movement in Yehuda and Shomron”.

Bennet’s statements are in contradiction to the information released to the media by the Honenu human rights organization. Honenu attorneys report their clients, including minors, are subjected to sleep deprivation and physical torture.

Radio host Razi Barkai asked Bennet to comment on a statement made by a party colleague, MK Betzalel Smotrich, who stated “There is no such thing as Jewish terrorism”. Bennet stated he disagrees and is pained by the fact his colleague feels this way, emphasizing he is incorrect. “Terror is terror” exclaimed Bennet.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)