TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 108

CONFIDENTIAL

ISRAEL

Report by HM Embassy, Tel Aviv.

General Observations (by Near East and North African Department)

While Israeli Jews enjoy human rights perhaps as fully as any other people in the world (and to a surprising degree given Israel's security problems) Arabs, even in Israel proper, do not.

Right No.

Rating suggested by Post

(i)

(ii)

In Israel proper, some prisoners' trials are delayed for many months. There are perhaps 500 prisoners in jail for over a month and not yet brought up for trial (total population 32 million). But there are effectively no long-term prisoners without trial. In the occupied territories there are cases of arbitrary detention. Some are not brought to trial for up to a year. But on the whole this is not deliberate policy. Here again, there are 500 prisoners in jail over a month and not

yet brought for trial. (Total popu- lation of occupied territories 1 million.)

There is no systematic use of physical torture, but suspected (Arab) terror- ists are subjected to intensive interro- gation techniques, degrading treatment, harassment, psychological attrition etc. Terrorists caught red-handed are likely to be fairly brutally treated.

Comment by Near East and North African Dept The suggested rating is high; 3 would be more realistic.

(iii) There is no slavery.

(iv)

In Israel proper, very wide freedom of speech is permitted. The media are subject to censorship, which is in practice strict only in defence matters (not domestic or foreign policy matters). In the occupied territories there is freedom of speech though there is curtailment of rights of public assembly, and incitement to violence is stamped on. The press is subject to censor- ship, which is not oppressive in normal times.

4

4

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4

CONFIDENTIAL

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