IPS Sources: Detainee 'Hunger Striker' Visited by Israel Katz Is Eating in Custody
According to information obtained by Ynet, Tal Yinon Dardik, a suspect in the abuse of Palestinians currently at the center of a conflict between the Defense Minister and the Central Command Chief, continues to eat despite claims of a hunger strike. IPS sources report he consumes challah and fish, while his family insists his health is in critical condition.
Tal Yinon Dardik, who is at the center of the conflict between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot — a conflict that led yesterday to the "dismissal" of the Major General on live broadcast — is being held in detention on suspicion of abusing Palestinians. Dardik claims to be on a hunger strike and received an unusual personal visit from the Defense Minister about a week and a half ago.
However, sources in the Israel Prison Service (IPS) told Ynet today that, contrary to claims, Dardik is not on a full hunger strike. According to IPS information, he eats from time to time, including a full Friday dinner with challah and fish, and consumes liquids daily. He was recently taken to the hospital for a medical examination and returned to IPS custody, where he is examined daily by a doctor.
Idan, Dardik's brother, stated: "Tal Yinon was taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital last Tuesday. Everything is documented. He lost 11 kilos, down to 67. Fainting, liver damage, and other injuries. A private doctor told us his pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, and sugar have dropped to life-threatening levels. Everyone who visits him says he looks terrible."
The Israel Prison Service stated: "Due to privacy concerns, we cannot comment on the detainee's medical condition. We can only say that he receives medical care, visits from Knesset members, and religious items, including a Kiddush kit with challah and wine. His imprisonment is not an IPS decision, and we are taking care of him in the best way possible."
Dardik, a resident of the Kfar Tarfon outpost and a father of four, was arrested about a week ago for allegedly violating an administrative order imposed by Avi Blot. The order includes house arrest at the home of his mother-in-law, who was allegedly not informed of the order. The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court initially released him to house arrest, but the District Court accepted a police appeal to keep him in detention. In response, Dardik intensified his strike, including a refusal of water.
The events in question occurred in the village of Khumsa in March during Operation "Lion's Roar." He is suspected of involvement in tying a Palestinian by his genitals with a zip tie, which he denies.
Defense Minister Katz, who previously ordered the cancellation of administrative detention orders in Judea and Samaria, visited Dardik in his cell. Yesterday, Katz caused a stir by announcing on Channel 14 the replacement of Blot with the head of the Manpower Directorate, Dado Bar Khalifa, claiming it was on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff. The IDF stated that Katz's words were not coordinated with the Chief of Staff, who does not intend to replace commanders during this sensitive period.
This morning, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced that he will not appoint Major Generals until the beginning of 2027 due to the election cycle. This means Central Command Chief Major General Avi Blot will remain in his position until at least the summer of 2027.
