Outrage over Approval of Visits to Nukhba Terrorist Prisoners: Politicians and Organizations Criticize Decision

The decision of the expanded War Cabinet to approve visits to the Nukhba terrorist prisoners has sparked sharp criticism from politicians and various organizations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed approving the visits, which was supported by the majority of cabinet ministers, except for ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who opposed it.

Ben-Gvir expressed concerns about the negative impact of the visits on deterrence and negotiations with Hamas, as well as the potential for riots in the prison. He also emphasized that allowing the visits could lead to international intervention in Israeli affairs in the future. Smotrich, on the other hand, criticized the Mossad and the Shin Bet for their handling of negotiations with Hamas, calling for a more aggressive approach to dealing with the terrorist organization.

Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman labeled the decision as a move by a “full-on right-wing” government, while Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar criticized the decision as delusional and unacceptable, especially considering the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton from the New Hope Party condemned the decision as a sign of weakness and failure on the part of the government, stating that it undermines efforts to secure the release of hostages and end the conflict with Hamas.

Hostage family organizations, including Forum Tikva and Almagor Victims of Terror, expressed shock and disappointment at the decision, demanding that visits to the Nukhba terrorists be conditioned on visits to Israeli hostages in Gaza. The Choosing Life Forum of bereaved families and victims of terrorism called the decision dangerous and urged the government to stand firm against external pressures.

The approved proposal allows for British observers to conduct practice visits to Nukhba prisoners in Israeli prisons, with an Israeli judge accompanying the visitors. However, Israel has made it clear that visits by the Red Cross to the Nukhba prisoners will not be allowed until similar visits are permitted for Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Overall, the decision to approve visits to the Nukhba terrorists has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of negotiations and security issues in the region.