Israel Prepares to Resume Red Cross Visits to Security Prisoners After Court Ruling
The Israeli defense establishment is preparing to resume Red Cross visits to security prisoners this Wednesday, following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down a previous ban.
The Israeli defense establishment has begun preparations to resume Red Cross visits to security prisoners in Israeli jails this week, marking the first such visits since October 7, 2023. Barring any last-minute changes, the visits are scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
Security Ban and Shin Bet Intelligence
In October 2025, Defense Minister Israel Katz signed an order banning Red Cross representatives from visiting security prisons, citing concerns over national security. The Shin Bet security service had provided intelligence to the Ministry of Defense indicating that Red Cross personnel were passing information to security prisoners inside the facilities.
At the time, Defense Minister Israel Katz justified the decision, stating:
"The intelligence assessments presented to me indicate that these visits constitute a severe threat to national security."
Supreme Court Intervention
In early June, the Supreme Court unanimously accepted a petition against the sweeping policy that barred the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting security prisoners held in Israel Prison Service (IPS) and IDF facilities, as well as the withholding of information regarding their status. The court ruled that the state had failed to present any legal framework for the ban, despite being given multiple opportunities to do so.
Political Maneuvers Fail
Government officials attempted to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling until after the upcoming Knesset elections. Approximately one month after the court's decision, a bill aimed at blocking the Red Cross, introduced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's party, failed to pass in the Knesset. The bill collapsed after ultra-orthodox factions refused to support it until draft exemption laws were approved.
Red Cross representatives have already received instructions to arrive in Israel, and the visits to security prisoners are expected to begin on Wednesday.
