Israeli authorities have announced they have launched a raid on prison cells after officials heard inmates expressing “joy” during a wave of Iranian airstrikes against Israel. “Recently, during the escalation of clashes, sounds of celebration were heard from criminal prisoners who are residents of the Palestinian territories” in a central Israeli prison, the Prison Service said on Sunday.
The elite Metzada unit was called in to search the cells and remove those involved. In a video released by the prison service itself, armed soldiers are seen entering the cells with guns pointed at the prisoners, who are lying on the floor, writes A2 CNN. One of them is seen lying face down as an officer ties his hands with plastic bandages, another is blindfolded. Then, several men are taken out of the cells bent over, their hands tied behind their backs.
Authorities said the prisoners were brought before a disciplinary tribunal and "subsequently punished," without providing further details on the nature of the punishments.
The move is part of a “zero tolerance” policy announced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir toward any support for Israel’s enemies. During a visit to the city of Petah Tikva, where four people were killed in Iranian attacks last night, Ben Gvir reiterated that authorities would crack down on any display of joy over attacks on Israel. “There is zero tolerance for this issue. The police have arrested a number of people, and I support them — that is exactly my policy,” he said Monday.
The far-right minister also cited "images" of prison guards entering cells with guns to "restore order." "This is the policy I want," he said. "Zero tolerance for displays of joy. Zero tolerance for those who support Iran. Support for Iran is support for terrorism, and anyone who supports terror should be arrested." (A2 Televizion)
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