Law on Holding Hearings by Video Conference with Detainees and Prisoners (Temporary Provision - Swords of Iron), 5784-2023

The law allows court and tribunal hearings with detainees and prisoners to be held by video conference, meaning by screen instead of in person. This applies to detention hearings in security offenses, arraignment hearings (presenting the indictment) and criminal hearings that are not detention hearings. The law says that if no hearing was held with the detainee or prisoner physically present, their detention can be extended by up to 14 days only. The law sets rules for how video hearings are held, to minimize harm to the detainee or prisoner. Among other things, the detainee's defense lawyer must be present at the hearing, and interpretation must be provided if needed. Adjustments must also be made for detainees or prisoners with disabilities. The law applies until December 18, 2023, or until the declaration of a special situation on the home front expires, whichever is earlier.

Source: חוק - פרסום ברשומות