Israel punishes 8 Palestinian prisoners over cake celebrating Ben-Gvir’s possible election-driven exit: Report

Israel placed eight Palestinian prisoners in solitary confinement for making a cake to celebrate the possible departure of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from the government, Israel Hayom reported Sunday. The prisoners at Lavi prison had saved food over several days to make the cake, hoping the Oct. 27 election would end Ben-Gvir’s tenure, according to the newspaper. Prison staff found the cake in a cell, prompting officials to order disciplinary proceedings against the eight and send them to solitary confinement.

Ben-Gvir, whose ministry oversees the Israel Prison Service, has tightened restrictions on Palestinian prisoners, including cutting food allocations and prison amenities. Whether he retains his post will depend on the election results and coalition negotiations involving his Jewish Power party. Palestinian rights groups accuse Israeli authorities of systematic abuses against prisoners including torture, starvation, solitary confinement and denial of medical care.