BICOM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon and Education Minister Naftali Bennett have all publicly backed the Shin Bet internal security agency over allegations that it has mistreated Jewish Israeli terror suspects, thought to have carried out a deadly arson attack.

Although the case is subject to a gag order, several Jewish Israelis have been arrested and detained, suspected of starting a fire at the home of the Dawabshe family in the Palestinian village of Duma in the West Bank in July. The parents and their toddler son were killed in the attack, which generated public condemnation from all sides of the Israeli political spectrum.

Leaders called for the assailants to be brought to justice as quickly as possible. An unspecified number of arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. However, lawyers and supporters of those arrested allege that Shin Bet investigators have illegally mistreated and even tortured suspects in order to glean information about the case. Lawyer Itamar Ben Gvir, who represents one of the suspects, said yesterday that his client is “physically, mentally, broken, a man who needs psychotherapy. The Shin Bet investigators made him into a shadow of a man.” He alleged that denial of rights, sexual harassment and physical intimidation had taken place.

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded saying, “Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen and his people are doing excellent and important work… All Shin Bet activities are done in accordance with the law.” He added that “We will not tolerate terrorism of any kind.” Ya’alon also gave his “full backing” to the Shin Bet in their attempts “to put on trial ruthless terrorists who conducted terror activities.” Meanwhile, Bennett, a vocal supporter of settlements also commented, saying “Just as I trust the Shin Bet to chase murderers of Jews, I trust them in this case… With a terrorist attack – you do everything to catch those responsible. You do everything – within the limits of the law.”