After They Killed a Palestinian Prisoner ... Ben Gvir: "I Will Not Hold Them Accountable"

While the Israeli prison administration acknowledged the crime that took place behind its walls last month, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reemerged with controversial statements. After the prison administration announced that 19 guards beat and tortured the Palestinian prisoner Tha'er Abu Asb, who died from his injuries, Ben Gvir refused to condemn or criticize them. He said, "I will not hold the guards accountable before a thorough investigation is conducted." He also asserted that "they have the right to plead not guilty to these charges," according to Israeli Channel 12, on Thursday. Dozens of guards at the Negev prison were responsible for the death of Abu Asb, who belonged to Fatah and was 38 years old, after beating him to death, while the relevant authorities opened an investigation against them. The Israeli authorities limited themselves to questioning the suspects, issuing them a warning, and then releasing them while granting them leave until further notice, as mentioned by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. The Israeli Prison Service commented on the incident, stating that the level of "challenges and threats faced by the guards during their duties has increased significantly since the start of the war on Gaza due to the reception of thousands of prisoners." It is noteworthy that this assault occurred about a month ago, but the name of the victim was not revealed at the time.