Israel's Supreme Court has delivered a stinging rebuke to the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, ruling that its current food provisions for Palestinian security detainees are constitutionally insufficient and fail to meet basic human needs.
The landmark decision, which could force a major overhaul of prison conditions, states that the quantity of food supplied is so inadequate it violates a fundamental clause in Israel's Basic Law concerning human dignity and liberty.
A Legal and Humanitarian Breach
The court's ruling centred on a petition brought by several human rights organisations. They argued that the official food basket for detainees—who are held without charge under a policy of administrative detention—was leaving inmates hungry and malnourished.
Justice Alex Stein, in the court's opinion, was unequivocal. He stated that the government's policy "does not provide the detainee with the minimum quantity of food required for his existence as a human being".
What's in the Basket?
The case highlighted the stark reality of the current daily rations. The state's own guidelines provide a meagre allocation that falls short of accepted nutritional standards.
- Caloric Intake: The provided food is significantly below the minimum caloric intake recommended by health professionals for an adult.
- Basic Provisions: The petition detailed a lack of essential nutrients, with meals often consisting of little more than a pitta bread, some processed spread, and a boiled egg.
- No Cooking Facilities: Detainees have no access to cooking facilities, making them entirely dependent on the state-provided meals.
Government's Defence Falls Short
The state defended its policy, arguing that the food provided was adequate and that detainees could supplement their diet with purchases from the prison canteen. However, the court dismissed this argument, noting that many detainees lack the financial means to buy extra food and that the state's primary obligation cannot be outsourced.
The court gave the government a six-month deadline to present a new, humane plan that complies with the basic constitutional requirement to preserve human dignity.
This ruling places significant pressure on the Netanyahu government, already under intense international scrutiny over its handling of security and human rights issues. It underscores the critical role of the judiciary in upholding fundamental rights, even for those in state custody.
