The captured in the armed conflict with HAMAS in Gaza since the October 7 attacks have been kept without counsel for nearly 90 days, the maximum amount of time the emergency powers extend. According to new legislation in the Knesset, absent action, they will talk to lawyers on January 22, 2024.

The prior emergency rule has been in effect since October 24, 2023.

The bill extends the bar from speaking to counsel another 90 days through April 3, 2024, which marks 180 days from October 7, 2023, the day of the invasion.

TribunalForum, as the paper of record for war crimes tribunals of those participating in the October 7 attacks and those thereafter against Israel, covers procedural and substantive matters related to any such tribunal.

The CEO of TribunalForum’s Publisher called for defense attorneys for the accused as early as October 24, 2023.

The bill is in Hebrew here and a rough translation into English is here.

The bill was read in plenum, rather than committee. The Knesset requires three readings before a bill becomes law.