Honenu Attorney Daniel Shimshilashvilli; Photo credit: Honenu
Monday, November 4, 2024, 11:42 On Sunday, the Lod District Court reduced Elyakim Harel’s administrative detention from six to four months. Harel was detained by Yehuda and Shomron Police officers last Monday, and one day later was placed under administrative detention by an order signed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Harel’s family leveled criticism at Minister Gallant, asserting that the order was motivated by political considerations. Click here for a statement from Elyakim’s brother, Shmuel, and here for a statement from their father, Rabbi Araleh Harel. Honenu Attorney Daniel Shimshilashvilli is representing the detainee.
Attorney Daniel Shimshilashvilli: “The court’s decision to reject the request by the GSS and the State Attorney’s office to extend – without a trial – the remand of a youth who does not have a criminal record, indicates the intolerable ease with which Minister Gallant signs administrative orders. He still adheres to the mindset that brought disaster to Israel with the massacre on Simhat Torah (October 7). I thank the court for the decision, but one must not be complacent with the current general situation.
“I call on Knesset ministers to fast-track legislation that will put an end to the injustices in the usage of administrative orders against loyal citizens of Israel. Such orders are supposed to be reserved for terrorists. We will continue to fight in court, with all legal means at our disposal, to prevent harassment of an entire public in the name of a failed conception that has no place, particularly at a time of war.”
Minister Gallant issued some of the orders during the fighting on the northern and southern fronts. Since he took office two years ago, he has issued 30 administrative orders to Jews, more than any other defense minister.