The release of the Shifa Hospital chief by Israeli authorities on Monday has caused controversy and sparked a public debate. The incident has led to exchanges of accusations between the government, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and the Israel Prison Service (IPS). Ilan Budra, a former head of the IPS intelligence division, criticized the release, stating that it should not have happened. He pointed out that administrative detainees are regularly arrested and released without much attention, but in this case, the release of the hospital director has drawn significant scrutiny.
Budra questioned the process of determining who should be released, highlighting that the Shin Bet decides the identity of released individuals. He mentioned that not only the hospital director but also fifty administrative detainees were released, raising concerns about verifying their identities. Budra emphasized that the Immigration Service has no authority in this matter and simply follows release orders given by the Shin Bet. He suggested that the media profile of the hospital director may have prompted a reevaluation of the release decision.
The former IPS intelligence chief explained that administrative arrests are based on intelligence information, and the IPS is not always aware of the reasons behind detainment. He noted that detainees with a higher media profile, like the director of Shifa Hospital, often undergo additional scrutiny before being released. Budra highlighted the strategic importance of holding the hospital director as a bargaining chip due to his prominence and the hospital’s alleged association with Hamas.
Budra also discussed the challenges facing Israel’s prison system, pointing out discrepancies between the Shin Bet’s recommended incarceration capacity and the actual number of inmates. He emphasized the need for adequate resources to address security incidents and improve living conditions for prisoners. Budra suggested the construction of new prisons to meet standards for both security and criminal prisoners and stressed the importance of proper planning and budget allocation in this regard.
In conclusion, the release of the Shifa Hospital chief has raised questions about the decision-making process in Israeli security agencies and highlighted broader issues within the prison system. Budra’s insights shed light on the complexities of handling administrative detainees and the need for strategic planning to ensure the effective management of security incidents and prisoner welfare.
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-808904