In wake of Jewish terrorist attack in Duma, gov’t authorizes use of administrative detentions, while Justice Ministry team recommends changing classification of ‘price tag’ perpetrators to ‘terrorists’.
The Security Cabinet decided Sunday to adopt recommendations providing law enforcement agencies with new tools to combat Jewish terrorism.
“The Cabinet views the arson and murder in Duma as act of terror in every aspect, and has called on all the relevant authorities to use all necessary measures in order to bring the perpetrators to justice, and prevent similar incidents,” a statement issued after the cabinet meeting said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident separately, saying that he would take all the necessary steps in order to prevent a similar attack in the future.
The Cabinets’ adoption of the recommendations will allow the relevant authorities to apply all the necessary steps and tools in order to capture the terrorists, “including the use of administrative detention in appropriate cases, contingent on approval of the attorney general.”
The Cabinet decided to push a new counterterrorism bill in the Knesset, which would apply to Jewish terrorists as well, and establish a team of ministers led by Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, and include Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, to assess and advise the cabinet and government on possible and necessary measures to fight these types of terrorist incidents.
The ‘ticking bomb’ directive
The recommendations were formulated in a meeting at the Justice Ministry, which included officials from the Shin Bet (including the security agency’s Jewish terror division), investigative divisions, and representatives of the organization’s legal advisor. The advisory team included officials of the State Attorney’s Office, and members of the counter-incitement team.
Among the recommendations made was to change the classification of “price tag” groups, which are currently defined as “unlawful associations.” The current classification allows investigators to prevent detainees from conferring with lawyers, and allows courts to issue long-term administrative limitation orders for the suspects. However, the Shin Bet and legal advisor assert that classifying these groups as “terror organizations” will increase the stigma, and thereby intensify the condemnation of their actions.
An additional method brought up during the meetings was increasing the administrative detentions of radical activists, in relevant cases and only after a scrutinized examination of the relevant intelligence by the Shin Bet.
The Shin Bet is said to have mapped out a complete database of nearly all the radical activists, including phone recordings and hidden camera photos, as well as information attained by undercover agents operating within the groups.
One of the more controversial tools being evaluated is the use of the “ticking bomb” directive in rare and extreme cases. The directive allows for the use of “moderate physical force” on the subject as a means of interrogation in the wake of a terror attack. According to the current law, and a High Court ruling, the method cannot be used as a preventative means of investigation. The method is prohibited in interrogations of Palestinians suspected of terror activities. However, in a case in which there is a suspicion that the subject knows of an imminent attack by a Jewish terror group, the method is permissible.
Tamar Feldman, the Manager of the Department of Human Rights in the Territories within the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, objects to the cabinet’s decision regardless of the origins of the suspect. “We have steadily opposed the use of administrative detention and administrative limitation orders against Israelis and Palestinians,” she said.
“We are talking about a power which creates a huge opening for bad decisions and misuse of authority. They allow for denial of liberties without trial, and based on secret evidence, which doesn’t allow the suspects the ability to defend themselves, and as such lead to an extreme denial of civil liberties, dignity, and due process. The state has enough tools to act decisively against law breakers in the territories, even without these draconian methods,” she continued.
As reported by Ynetnews