Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted footage of a confrontation with Palestinian detainee Hassan Salameh inside his cell and said he wanted to execute him. The video has drawn condemnation and renewed attention to Israel’s policy toward Palestinian prisoners
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has come under renewed scrutiny after posting video footage of a confrontation with Palestinian detainee Hassan Salameh inside his prison cell.
In the footage, Ben-Gvir is shown addressing the handcuffed detainee and saying that he wants to kill and execute him. The video was posted by Ben-Gvir on his official X account, according to Anadolu and other reports.
Ben-Gvir also said that if he becomes defense minister, he would work to advance the execution of Palestinian prisoners and promote what he describes as ‘voluntary migration’ from Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Hassan Salameh has been imprisoned since 1996 and is serving multiple life sentences following convictions in Israel over attacks carried out in the 1990s. Palestinian organizations have condemned the video and called for international attention to the treatment and safety of Palestinian detainees.
VIDEO SHOWS CONFRONTATION
The footage shows Ben-Gvir inside Salameh’s cell while the detainee is handcuffed. Ben-Gvir directly addresses Salameh and makes a threat to execute him.
BEN-GVIR’S POSITION ON EXECUTIONS
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly supported capital punishment for certain Palestinian prisoners. Anadolu reported that he said he would seek to advance executions if appointed defense minister.
PALESTINIAN REACTION
Palestinian prisoner-related organizations and Hamas condemned the video. They described the confrontation as political provocation and called for measures to protect Palestinian prisoners.
BACKGROUND ON THE DEATH-PENALTY LAW
Israel’s Knesset approved legislation in March 2026 allowing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners convicted in certain circumstances. The measure has drawn criticism from Palestinian and regional organizations.
Written By
Hurma Khan