Israel's Itamar Ben-Gvir threatens Palestinian prisoners with execution

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has released footage from a prison visit in southern Israel, in which he confronts a Palestinian prisoner. Ben-Gvir, who claims the individual was part of a cell that planned to assassinate him, stated that he intends to work toward the execution of such prisoners via the death penalty.

Ben-Gvir also signaled intentions to further tighten confinement conditions for security prisoners, remarking that prison conditions have changed significantly under his influence.

Concurrently, reports have emerged criticizing the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. Allegations include the imposition of increasingly harsh conditions since October 7, 2023, involving inadequate food portions and physical mistreatment. Specific accounts describe detainees receiving minimal daily rations, such as small amounts of bread, lentils, and rice, which critics have characterized as degrading treatment.