Footage surfaces of Israeli far-right minister publicly mocking detained Palestinian head, causing uproar
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has faced criticism for a video in which he taunted Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti during a jail visit, calling him a murderer and threatening to "wipe him out."
The video, filmed inside the high-security prison where Barghouti is held, shows Ben Gvir mocking Barghouti, who is serving multiple life sentences for involvement in attacks that killed Israeli civilians. Palestinian Authority leaders and Barghouti’s family denounced the video; his wife expressed concern that Barghouti was still being targeted even in solitary confinement.
Barghouti, considered a highly influential figure among Palestinians and often seen as a potential successor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has been held in solitary confinement since October 7. Despite his life sentences, Barghouti is only seen very rarely, with years often passing before videos or images of him are seen by the public.
In the video, Ben Gvir taunts and threatens Barghouti, saying, "Whoever harms the people of Israel, whoever kills children, whoever kills women, we will wipe them out." This provoked outrage among Palestinian officials and others, who condemned it as psychological and moral terrorism.
Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh claimed the video violates international and humanitarian conventions and norms. Raed Abu Al-Humus, the head of the Palestinian Authority for Prisoners and Released Prisoners' Affairs, warned that Ben Gvir's threatening visit indicates dangerous intentions and holds Ben Gvir responsible for Barghouti's life.
The reason for Ben Gvir posting the video is unclear. Barghouti attempts to respond, saying, "You know..." before Ben Gvir cuts him off. Fadwa Al Barghouti, Barghouti's wife, expressed concern over her husband's appearance in the video, stating she didn't recognize her husband.
Barghouti remains highly influential and is considered one of the few people who could unite Palestinian society behind a single leader. Fadwa Al Barghouti posted on social media that the struggle against the occupation continues. Palestinians have attempted to secure Barghouti's release on multiple occasions, including during ceasefire negotiations in the current war, but Israel has refused to consider it.
Ben Gvir, known for provocative remarks and previously imprisoned for anti-Arab incitement, refused to apologize for his actions, instead saying he would repeat the remarks repeatedly. The encounter between Barghouti and Ben Gvir was recorded and posted on Ben Gvir's Telegram channel.
The incident was widely condemned by Palestinian officials and seen as an inflammatory act that worsened tensions. It highlighted the fraught symbolic and political significance of Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian figure, and the provocative stance of Ben Gvir, a far-right minister.
- The Middle East, specifically the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, continued to be a focal point of world politics as Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir faced criticism for a provocative jail visit where he taunted Marwan Barghouti, a highly influential Palestinian prisoner known for his involvement in attacks against Israelis.
- The general news world was abuzz with reports of war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and politics, as Palestinian Authority leaders and Barghouti’s family denounced Ben Gvir's actions, with his wife expressing concern about her husband's targeting even in solitary confinement.
- This incident served as a stark reminder of the ongoing tension in the region, with Ramadan Al Sheikh, Palestinian Authority Vice President, claiming the video violated international and humanitarian conventions, while Raed Abu Al-Humus, the head of the Palestinian Authority for Prisoners and Released Prisoners' Affairs, warned that Ben Gvir's threatening visit indicated dangerous intentions.
