The Israeli Supreme Court ruled yesterday to release a minor student from the city of Tamra to house arrest. The decision, issued by Justice Khaled Kabub, follows a complex legal process lasting approximately two months.

The student, a high achiever in the 10th grade who participates in a scientific project at the Technion, faced charges related to browsing websites belonging to ISIS and other organizations designated by Israel as terrorist groups.

Despite the filing of an indictment, the Magistrate's Court initially ordered his release. This was overturned by District Court Judge Zayed Fallah, but Supreme Court Justice Khaled Kabub ultimately approved his release to house arrest under restrictive conditions.

The legal battle was led by Attorney Hussein Manna, a board member of the Mossawa Center, after the family approached the center for assistance. The judicial proceedings were described as complex and sensitive, given the severity of the charges and the student’s age.

Attorney Hussein Manna emphasized that meticulous professional follow-up was crucial to the release decision, noting that cases involving minors require profound legal examination. He stated that the decision is a significant development, even though the legal proceedings have not yet concluded.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attacked Judge Khaled Kabub and criticized the decision, adding a political dimension to the case. In an unprecedented escalation, Ben-Gvir posted a photo of the judge on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "This is Khaled Kabub, a Supreme Court Justice. In the midst of a war, he decided to release a terrorist who decided to join ISIS and carry out an attack. Does anyone doubt whose side he is on in this war?"

Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli joined the attack, writing that "Khaled Kabub proves time and again that he is unfit to be a judge; his Palestinian nationalism and hostility toward the State of Israel cannot be ignored."

The Attorney General and the Bar Association rejected Ben-Gvir’s attack. In an exceptional move, the Courts Administration issued an official statement on X condemning the "personal attacks on Justice Khaled Kabub for applying the law." The statement emphasized that the law explicitly states the detention of minors should be a last resort, prioritizing alternatives that consider their age and the impact of incarceration. It added that the court did not downplay the gravity of the alleged acts but acted according to binding legal precedents, even when decisions are unpopular.

On the humanitarian side, the defense attorney noted that the student requires physical and psychological follow-up following his detention at Megiddo Prison.

The Mossawa Center "This case highlights the importance of handling juvenile cases with professional caution and increasing awareness among youth regarding digital content on the internet. The Center also stressed the importance of parental supervision over the content children are exposed to online."