‘Fabricated Intelligence’: Settlers Demand Shin Bet Chief Revoke Administrative Orders Following Explosive Testimony
In a formal appeal to Shin Bet Director David Zini, 15 settlers subject to administrative restrictions and exclusion orders have demanded the revocation of the sanctions against them. Further, the settlers allege that IDF Central Command continues to impose severe penalties without trial or due process.
Explosive testimony from Commander Avishai Moalem
Submitted through the Honenu legal aid organization, the letter follows explosive testimony from Commander Avishai Moalem, former head of the Judea and Samaria District’s Central Investigations Unit. Speaking Monday night on Channel 14’s The Patriots, Moalem alleged that the Shin Bet’s Jewish Division used fabricated intelligence summaries and other materials to secure administrative orders against innocent Jewish settlers.
Central Command disobeys DM Israel Katz’s decision to end administrative restrictions for settlers
In their letter, the settlers argued that the use of administrative orders has surged in recent years. In addition, they noted that Defense Minister Israel Katz decided roughly two years ago to end administrative detention for settlers. Meanwhile, Central Command has circumvented that directive by issuing other types of severe administrative restrictions.
“Unfortunately, Central Command continues to circumvent that decision, imposing severe sanctions without trial, evidence, or due process, and without giving us any opportunity to defend ourselves,” the letter stated.
Citing the reports of fabricated Shin Bet intelligence, the signatories described the orders as political persecution stripping them of their freedom without evidence or criminal proceedings. For this reason, they demanded that Zini halt their use.
Most of these cases don’t involve serious offenses…so why this punishment?
Honenu attorney Moshe Poleski, who represents settlers facing these restrictions, echoed the criticism. Moreover, he noted that most cases do not even involve allegations of serious offenses causing bodily harm or loss of life.
“We repeatedly represent clients who say they have no involvement whatsoever in violent activity, and have no idea why administrative restrictions causing them severe harm have been imposed on them,” Poleski said. “It is time for the State of Israel to conduct itself like a Western democracy. Restrictions on suspects should be imposed only through due process, giving them an effective opportunity to challenge the allegations against them.”