Israel Prisons Chief Hosted Tour of Hamas Detainees’ Prison
Worshippers from a Jerusalem synagogue frequented by Israel Prison Service (IPS) chief Kobi Yaakobi were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Nitzan Prison, which houses detainees from Hamas’s elite Nukhba force, according to a report published by Channel 12 News on Sunday, February 23, 2026. The visit has sparked controversy as Yaakobi is currently facing scrutiny regarding potential ethical violations and a possible trial.
Details of the Prison Tour
Approximately 20 worshippers, including a rabbi, were transported to Nitzan Prison by an IPS bus. The tour began with a visit to the wings housing prisoners convicted of criminal offenses before moving to the secure section where members of Hamas’s Nukhba force – those involved in the October 7th invasion of Israel – are being held. According to reports, the Hamas detainees were shown to the group whereas handcuffed and lying down. Following the tour, the group participated in a Q&A session with prison staff and were served lunch prepared on the prison grounds.
IPS Response and Yaakobi’s Situation
The IPS confirmed that IPS officers accompanied a “rabbi and his entourage” for a sermon and tour of a security prison. While the IPS did not deny the specifics of the report, it stated that Yaakobi had instructed that the IPS not cover the cost of the bus transportation from Jerusalem’s Har Homa neighborhood.
Yaakobi is currently under investigation for allegedly informing a former West Bank police officer about a covert probe against him. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman recently gave Yaakobi a three-week deadline to decide on a hearing date regarding potential indictments for suspected ethical violations.
Political Reactions
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has publicly defended Yaakobi, stating he deserves “the Israel Prize” for his commitment to implementing the minister’s policies and the changes he has made to enhance state security. Ben Gvir has also advocated for the death penalty for members of the Nukhba force.
Background on Nukhba Force and IPS Concerns
The Nukhba force, Hamas’s elite unit, led the October 7th attack on Israel. In December 2025, the IPS warned that its facilities were on the “brink of incident,” and previously shared photos of improvised weapons produced by Hamas terrorists. Yaakobi, who assumed his role as IPS chief in January 2024, has overseen the implementation of Ben Gvir’s policies aimed at worsening the living conditions of Palestinian prisoners.