Israeli authorities regularly hold bodies of attackers in order to deter future attacks; police internal affairs says incident 'being examined,' but no investigation

Previous Israeli policy was only to keep bodies of Hamas terrorists for a potential prisoner exchange, and new guidelines may be susceptible to legal challenge

Supreme Court has upheld the government's right to withhold remains, but only for the purposes of negotiations for return of IDF soldiers' bodies, not for Bennett's 'deterrence'

Arab Israeli leader also decries 'cruel, immoral' move by defense minister designed as deterrent and possible bargaining chip; Gantz voices support

Naftali Bennett orders sweeping move, which may lead to remains being used as bargaining chips in a swap deal; security cabinet must still approve decision

Criminologist who carried out study in Australian 'body farm' says it could have has far-reaching implications police

Decision reverses a 2017 ruling that suspended the practice until it was anchored in law