Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has informed the High Court of his stance on the Sde Yemen facility, emphasizing that it should remain a temporary holding site for detainees pending investigation and sorting before their transfer to permanent detention centers. This position was communicated through a letter from the attorney's office, which also updated that 166 detainees are currently housed at the facility.
Netanyahu's directive includes a final discussion involving key ministers and security heads, scheduled to take place before Thursday, to address urgent security issues and confirm the facility's temporary status. This decision aligns with the state's commitment to the High Court, ensuring the facility is used solely for short-term detention.
The State Attorney's Office reiterated Netanyahu's position, highlighting that the Sde Yemen facility should remain operational for temporary detention purposes only. This announcement follows the Ministry of Justice's demand for an update on the facility's operations, particularly after Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gabir's actions delayed the move.
The Sde Yemen facility was initially opened during the Iron Swords operation to detain Gazan detainees, including Hamas terrorists, due to space constraints. Despite its intended use for investigations only, it has also been used for incarceration. Following a petition, the National Security Council recommended transferring prisoners to Shavas facilities.
Concerns have been raised about the conditions at the Sde Yemen facility, leading to investigations by global media outlets and a civil rights movement petition against its use as a prison. The Ministry of Justice accused Ben Gabir of hindering efforts to restore the facility to its original purpose, prompting the ombudsman to seek Netanyahu's urgent intervention to resolve the issue.
