Nationalist Ben Gvir pays a visit to imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barguti, delivering threats behind bars
In a tense development, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Ganot Prison last Thursday, confronting Palestinian Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and issuing direct threats against him.
During the visit, Ben-Gvir declared, "Anyone who messes with Israel, who murders our children, who murders our women — we will eliminate them." The minister's harsh words were aimed at Palestinian prisoners, particularly Barghouti, who has been imprisoned for over 20 years with multiple life sentences for his role in anti-Israeli attacks.
The confrontation was captured on video and shared by Ben-Gvir, showing him and guards surrounding Barghouti in his cell while delivering these threats. Barghouti, who appeared frail and in poor health in the footage, was reportedly the focus of the inspection intended to oversee stricter conditions for Palestinian prisoners.
Reactions to Ben-Gvir's actions have been mixed. Israeli media coverage has emphasised the minister’s provocative approach, while Palestinian sources have highlighted the harsh and threatening nature of his words. Raed Abu al-Hummus, the head of the Palestinian Authority's Prisoners' Affairs, has condemned the "public threats" made by Ben-Gvir, describing them as a "dangerous indicator of the hidden intentions" of the minister.
The Islamist movement Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have also condemned Ben-Gvir's visit to Ganot prison. In a statement collected by the 'Filastin' newspaper, affiliated with the movement, Hamas denounced the visit as an "assault" and a "cowardly display that reveals the fascism of the occupation and its hostility towards all human values." Hamas believes that Ben-Gvir's actions will not undermine Barghouti's determination, but will strengthen his resolve to continue his struggle for the freedom and dignity of his people.
It is important to note that Ben-Gvir is one of the most extremist elements in the Israeli cabinet. His actions at Ganot prison have been described as a "grave criminal act" by Hamas, and his recent visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem earlier this month sparked controversy.
Marwan Barghouti, a figure revered by Palestinians, is considered one of the few leaders capable of unifying all factions. He has been imprisoned since 2002 after being convicted by an Israeli court for his involvement in five murders during the Second Intifada.
The event has stirred controversy due to the hardline rhetoric by Ben-Gvir against a prominent Palestinian prisoner during a high-profile prison visit, reflecting ongoing tensions in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
The Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's statements during his visit to Ganot Prison, especially his threat against Marwan Barghouti, have sparked intense reactions in both Israeli and Palestinian media. The Minister's words, addressed to Palestinian prisoners, were criticized by Raed Abu al-Hummus, the head of the Palestinian Authority's Prisoners' Affairs, as "dangerous indicators of the hidden intentions" of Ben-Gvir. Hamas, too, condemned the visit as an "assault" and a "cowardly display," viewing Ben-Gvir's actions as a grave criminal act and a reflection of his extremist views in the context of news surrounding war-and-conflicts and general-news.
