The Haifa District Court on Tuesday extended the detention of detained journalist Saeed Hassanein until next Tuesday, May 13. The court will review the evidence, testimonies, and arguments of the defense team and the public prosecutor, and will then decide whether to place Hassanein under house arrest or extend his detention until the end of the legal proceedings.

During the session, the court heard testimony from Hassanein's wife and two brothers, as well as two of the owners of the house he was proposed to be relocated to in the town of Kafr Manda. The aim was to ensure Hassanein's continued support throughout his house arrest and to ensure he does not violate the terms of his detention, such as leaving the house or using social media.

In addition, Hassanein was interviewed on-screen, confirming his "commitment to the terms of his deportation and house arrest." He also addressed his difficult situation in prison and the illnesses and health complications he suffers from.

For her part, the prosecutor demanded Hassanein's continued detention until the completion of legal proceedings, claiming that "Hassanein does not regret what he did except for his imprisonment and the personal price he is paying." She added that "this case comes amid the ongoing war and the continued detention of 59 Israeli prisoners in Gaza." She noted that "Saeed destroyed evidence and poses a danger to the public."

On April 28, the Haifa District Court extended Hassanein's detention until today, after reviewing the Probation Officer's report, which did not recommend that Hassanein be placed under house arrest. The same session witnessed a remarkable argument from Hassanein's defense attorney, Namir Idlebi, who refuted the arguments on which the Probation Officer's report was based. This was reflected in the judge's position and his decision to inspect a proposed house in the town of Kafr Manda to which Hassanein could be deported.

During his defense, Idlebi said that "the probation officer's report lacks several factors and points that it did not address." He questioned the probation officer's claim that "Hassanin poses a danger to the public," saying that "Hassanin is 62 years old, a father, grandfather, and sports journalist, and has no criminal background. He has good relationships with Arab and Jewish athletes, and even if Hassanin poses a danger, this danger does not warrant extending his detention."

During his plea, Idlebi added, "Hassanin is suffering from health complications without receiving the necessary medication, and there is no justification for his continued detention for more than two months."

During his pleadings in Hassanein's case, Idlebi compared it to other security cases involving very serious charges, noting that the court had referred the defendants to house arrest in those cases.

The Public Prosecution charged Hassanein in the indictment with "contact with a foreign agent and expressing solidarity with a terrorist organization," after he expressed solidarity and praised Hamas's actions and treatment of Israeli detainees in media interviews. He also praised Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah for standing with the Palestinians, according to the prosecution.

Israeli police arrested Hassanein after raiding his home in the city of Shefa-Amr on the night of Tuesday-Wednesday, February 25, 2025. They conducted searches and summoned members of his family for interrogation.

1. Hassanein's arrest followed an intense incitement campaign led by Israeli media outlets and extremist Jewish groups, sparked by an interview he gave to Al-Aqsa TV.