In a stunning revelation, the Israel Prison Service (IPS) has unveiled the opulent lifestyle of notorious crime boss Kutayer Odeh behind bars. The exposé paints a picture of prison life that's more akin to a luxury resort than a correctional facility.
Odeh, currently serving an 18-year sentence, had transformed his cell in the isolation wing of Ayalon Prison into a personal palace. The list of confiscated items reads like a high-end shopping spree: a dozen pairs of shoes, an array of speakers, a Sony PlayStation, and countless headphones - and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The IPS raid, conducted eight months ago, uncovered a treasure trove of prohibited items: 30 types of creams, 62 pairs of socks, 144 CDs, four iPhones (strictly forbidden), and 37 books, among other luxuries. The sheer volume of contraband has raised serious questions about the integrity of prison security.
Perhaps most alarming is the suspicion that the smuggled iPhones allowed Odeh to maintain contact with his criminal empire outside, effectively running his organization from behind bars. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community.
In a brazen move, Odeh filed petitions demanding the return of most confiscated items, besides the cellphones, arguing they were given to him with consent. He even had the audacity to request a special metabolic (diet) menu, the return of his personal equipment, and improvements to his cell's sanitary conditions.
The IPS's response to this audacious demand was firm but measured. They agreed to return some personal items in accordance with regulations, noted recent renovations to his cell, and limited his cleaning supplies for security reasons.
However, the real bombshell came with the findings of a special committee established by Major General Katy Yakubovich. The committee uncovered severe, organization-wide failures at all levels. The report paints a damning picture of a prison system that allowed Odeh to hold vast amounts of prohibited items, including a knife, enter the guards' watch room, control security cameras, and enjoy numerous privileges like staff food and fitness accessories.
The revelations have prompted swift action. The Prison Commissioner has ordered immediate administrative proceedings, including dismissals, against several officers at various levels. A new, uncompromising policy of governance in prisons has been declared, emphasizing strict treatment of any deviations from order and discipline by prisoners.
Although this scandal has pulled back the curtain on a deeply troubling reality within Israel's prison system, things are starting to change - and the message from the top is resounding - all prisoners will receive the same conditions, without distinction or discrimination.
* Channel 12 contributed to this report.