An Israel Prison Authority parole board has denied a request for the early release of Shlomo Dvir and Ofir Gamliel, convicted members of the so-called Bat Ayin Cell. They were convicted for placing an explosive device outside an eastern Jerusalem girl�s school in 2002. The explosive device was detected and neutralized before blowing up. Gamliel and Dvir were sentenced to a 15-year prison terms for their anti-Arab terror activities.

The two asked the parole board to remove a third from their term as is the norm in the prison system for prisoners who behave well.

Honenu decried the parole board�s decision, pointing out that this coincides with the revolving door that releases Arab terrorists while Jews remain imprisoned. Honenu officials add that their request was turned down despite a promise made to former IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Avichai Ronsky, who remains active in his concern and care for the Jewish prisoners. Honenu explains that the Shin Bet and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein opposed removing a third from their term, and this was the decision of the parole board.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)