Full Breakdown
Controversial Conjugal Visits for Jewish Terrorist Amid Rising Extremism
1/14/2026, 8:26:51 AM
Overview of the Incident
Amiram Ben Uliel, a Jewish man convicted for the 2015 firebombing of a Palestinian family's home in Duma, will be allowed conjugal visits with his wife for the first time since his imprisonment. The attack resulted in the deaths of 18-month-old Ali Dawabsha and his parents, Sa’ad and Riham, while injuring their then-5-year-old son, Ahmed. Ben Uliel was arrested in December 2015 and sentenced to three life terms in 2020, a conviction that drew significant attention to the issue of rising Jewish extremism in the West Bank.
Legal Developments
Hebrew media reports indicate that security officials recently assessed Ben Uliel's risk level as decreased, leading to the state's decision to permit conjugal visits. This change follows previous rejections of such requests, which were based on concerns about his potential danger and his status as a symbol for far-right extremism. Ben Uliel's attorney, Guy Erenberg, confirmed that the Prison Service would arrange the visits with his wife, Oriane, whom he married before his incarceration.
Support and Controversy
Ben Uliel has garnered ongoing support from various right-wing figures and groups. A fundraising campaign to secure his release raised over NIS 1.2 million ($375,000) from approximately 6,000 donors, including right-wing rabbis and notable personalities like singer Ariel Zilber. Limor Son Har-Melech, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, referred to Ben Uliel as a “holy righteous man” and criticized his imprisonment as a “crime.” In October 2025, she led a letter signed by 55 lawmakers urging President Isaac Herzog to pardon Jewish security prisoners.
Criticism & Opposition
The decision to allow conjugal visits has sparked outrage among various groups and individuals who view it as a troubling endorsement of extremist actions. Critics argue that permitting such visits sends a dangerous message regarding the normalization of violence against Palestinians. The incident has reignited discussions about the broader implications of Jewish extremism in the region and the Israeli government's response to such acts.
Official Statements & Responses
Naomi Levinov, a lawyer with the Central District’s prosecutor’s office, indicated in a letter to the court that Ben Uliel poses a lower risk now, which contributed to the decision to allow conjugal visits. However, the Supreme Court previously rejected an appeal from Ben Uliel, affirming that he committed a “shocking and deeply disturbing” attack.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After weighing all of the relevant considerations, it was decided not to object to the request,” — Guy Erenberg, Ben Uliel’s Lawyer
Conclusion
The decision to allow conjugal visits for Amiram Ben Uliel highlights the complexities surrounding issues of extremism, justice, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As support for Ben Uliel continues to grow among right-wing factions, the implications of this case resonate beyond individual actions, reflecting broader societal tensions in Israel and the West Bank.
