DaysofPal- A video released by Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked widespread anger across social media after he expressed a desire to carry out executions against Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The video, shared on his account on X, was initially posted to dismiss rumors about his death. It showed Ben-Gvir standing in front of a hanging noose. During the clip, a person addressed him, saying that Iranians had claimed he was dead. Ben-Gvir responded by saying he was “eager” to implement the death penalty against what he referred to as “terrorists.”
The remarks quickly drew strong reactions online. Activists warned that such statements reflect a dangerous escalation in Israeli political rhetoric and could have serious implications for Palestinian detainees. They also raised concerns that this discourse could contribute to a climate of incitement and increase the risk of violations of international law and fundamental rights.
Commentators noted that Ben-Gvir has increasingly used video messaging to shape public opinion, presenting himself as a figure restoring order within prisons while appealing to his political base. Critics argue that these visual messages are designed to strengthen his standing among hardline supporters.
Ben-Gvir has openly acknowledged that tightening prison conditions is part of a deliberate policy. In remarks made on 3 February 2026, he said officials from Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, had told him that Palestinians were deterred from carrying out attacks due to the harsh conditions in prisons, which he described as intentionally severe.
At the same time, Ben-Gvir and his party, Otzma Yehudit, have been promoting legislation to introduce the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners. The proposal passed its first reading in the Knesset in November 2025 and is awaiting further approval stages.
Official statements from the Israel Prison Service indicate that stricter detention conditions are not considered an overreach but rather an established policy. Authorities have described the current measures as effective in achieving deterrence and have shown no intention of easing them.
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