Prison Service sources: 'Hunger-striking' detainee Katz visited ate challah and fish

Prison Service sources told ynet that Tal Yinon Dardik, suspected of abusing Palestinians and claiming a hunger strike, eats from time to time and even ate a full Friday meal. His brother denies this and cites serious medical data. The remarks come amid the clash between Defense Minister Katz and Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth.

Prison Service sources told ynet on Monday that Tal Yinon Dardik, the detainee suspected of abusing Palestinians, is not on a full hunger strike, contrary to claims. According to the information, Dardik eats occasionally, albeit infrequently, and even ate a full Friday meal including challah and fish. He consumes fluids daily, was taken to a hospital a few days ago for a medical check-up and returned to custody, and a Prison Service doctor examines him daily. In contrast, his brother Idan said Dardik was taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital last Tuesday, lost 11 kilograms and dropped to 67 kilograms, with fainting and liver damage. This morning a private doctor visited him and reported a low pulse, low body temperature, and a drop in blood pressure and sugar. Idan stressed these are the data of a person on a 29-day hunger strike. The Prison Service said that due to medical privacy, his condition cannot be discussed, but contrary to claims, the detainee receives medical care, visits from Knesset members, and attention to religious items, including a Kiddush kit with challah and wine. The affair is at the center of the clash between Defense Minister Israel Katz and Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, which last night led to the announcement of Bluth's replacement, a move the IDF denied was coordinated with the Chief of Staff. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced this morning that he will not appoint generals until 2027, so Bluth will remain in his post.