Defense Minister Ehud Barak has authorized the increased use of administrative detention to combat violence among Jews in Yehuda and Shomron. Administrative detention permits incarcerating a person without charging him with any crime or permitting him due process of law.

Barak on Wednesday met with senior security officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel Police Chief Dudi Cohen, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin and Minister of Public Security Avi Dichter to reach an understanding to better combat settler violence.

Barak’s harsh statements resulted in an immediate response, with 25 MKs including Tzachi Hanegbi (Kadima), who chairs the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee,  demanding the same approach towards law-enforcement in Yosh be applicable to all, including the radical left-wing Anarchists.

MK (National Union) Uri Ariel stated Barak’s policy decision is contrary to a Knesset ruling and the instructions of the Supreme Court regarding limiting use of administrative detentions.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)