A meeting concerning Hamas terrorists arrested after October 7 could not proceed after judiciary representatives failed to show up twice in a row, the Knesset announced on Monday.
The meeting had been on the topic of extending the terrorists' detentions, as well as the possibility of visitation rights for them.
Chairman of the committee, MK Simcha Rothman, said that the Justice Ministry's failure to attend the meeting demonstrated a "contempt for the Knesset."
"I have a feeling they will come when they want to pass a law later on the agenda, and until they provide answers, none of their legislation will be advanced," he announced.
"I cannot say I am surprised by their failure to appear today, but it was important to me to hold the discussion specifically today, following the law we passed yesterday and ahead of the plenary discussion, so the public can see that all the talk about gatekeepers and the rule of law comes from a group of liars and crooks. Gil Limon said during the discussions, ‘Who will protect us from the government’s arbitrariness?’ And I ask, who will protect the State of Israel from this group of people? We will take a recess and then hold a vote."
Nukhba terrorists will not be released
He added that under no circumstances would the terrorists be released.
"Even if we do not approve [the detention extensions], no Nukhba terrorist will be released. It will simply require them to keep going to court to request detention extensions, creating a little more work for the government’s legal counsel, the State Attorney’s Office, and unfortunately, the police as well. But if it is not important enough for them to attend, they apparently have time to spare. I will not pass the law until I receive explanations as to why they are not here.”
MK Moshe Saada accused Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara of being a criminal, saying that she had abused her official authority and was guilty of extortion and breach of trust.
"I approached the civil service commissioner and asked him to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Gali,” he said.