A contentious decision by Israeli authorities to release Mohammad Abu Salamiya, the director of Shifa Hospital, and 55 other Palestinian detainees back to Gaza has sparked a heated exchange of accusations and recriminations among Israeli political figures and security agencies.
According to a report by The Times Of Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir escalated the controversy by calling for the dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, holding him responsible for what he termed "security recklessness." Abu Salamiya, who was detained by IDF troops in November on suspicion of allowing Hamas to use Shifa Hospital as a base of operations, was released after videos of his return to Gaza circulated on social media, triggering public outcry.
In a strongly-worded statement on social media platform X, Ben Gvir criticized the decision to release Abu Salamiya and other detainees, accusing the Shin Bet and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of pursuing policies contradicting the government's stance. He alleged that such independent actions undermine national security and disregard cabinet decisions.
Leaked screenshots from a ministerial messaging group revealed further condemnation from Ben Gvir towards Bar, suggesting it was time to replace the Shin Bet chief. His remarks reflected broader discontent among some ministers, including Far-right Settlements Minister Orit Strock, who questioned the authority behind the release decision.
In response, both Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced themselves from the controversy, asserting that decisions regarding security detainees fall under the jurisdiction of the Shin Bet and the Israel Prison Service (IPS). Gallant's office emphasized that the defense minister lacks authority over such releases, which are determined independently by security officials.
Netanyahu's office clarified that the release followed legal deliberations at the High Court regarding detainees held at Sde Teiman detention facility. The prime minister ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the release, reaffirming that security assessments guide the identification of detainees eligible for release.
Amid mounting criticism, the Shin Bet defended its decision, citing overcrowding in Israeli prisons and the necessity to maintain operational capabilities against escalating security threats. The agency highlighted ongoing challenges in the management of detention facilities and underscored the prioritization of national security amidst resource constraints.
However, the Israel Prison Service refuted claims of its involvement in the release decision, asserting that it operates solely within the confines of incarceration and does not independently determine detainee releases. The IPS emphasized that Abu Salamiya's release from Nafha Prison was not due to the alleged prison space crisis, contrary to public perception.
The controversy surrounding Abu Salamiya's release resonated deeply within Israeli society, particularly among hawkish opposition lawmakers and families affected by past security incidents. Avigdor Liberman likened Abu Salamiya to Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele, accusing him of complicity in terrorist activities. Avi Marciano, father of slain soldier Cpl. Noa Marciano, condemned the release as another instance of governmental neglect, lamenting the ongoing pain inflicted on affected families.
Opposition leaders, including Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa'ar, criticized the government's handling of security policies, arguing that the decision jeopardized national security and undermined public trust. They called for accountability and asserted the need for a more robust and coherent approach to security governance.
In response to the uproar, Palestinian media quoted Abu Salamiya expressing surprise at the government's unawareness of his release and alleging mistreatment during his detention. He claimed that he was denied legal counsel and subjected to harsh conditions at Sde Teiman, allegations that have yet to be formally addressed by Israeli authorities.