Revealed: Gaza’s Destruction Used to Intimidate Palestinian Prisoners in Israel
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has introduced images and videos of Gaza’s destruction in prisons to intimidate Palestinian detainees, while personally confronting Marwan Barghouti, a prominent prisoner. These actions, part of a broader hardline policy, have sparked controversy and condemnation from Palestinian leaders.
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has implemented a controversial strategy to intimidate Palestinian prisoners by displaying large photographs of Gaza’s destruction within Israeli prisons. In a recently surfaced video, Ben-Gvir is seen pointing to an image of Gaza’s ruins, stating, “This is what they have to see in the morning when they go out for their yard hour. One of them, I think here (pointing), that’s his house.” The tactic aims to confront Palestinian detainees, many convicted of terrorism, with the consequences of their actions. Additionally, prisoners have been shown a three-minute film produced by the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Prison Service, depicting the devastation in Gaza, as part of efforts to reinforce this message.
In a separate incident, Ben-Gvir visited Ganot Prison in central Israel, where he confronted terrorist Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian figure serving five life sentences for orchestrating deadly attacks during the Second Intifada (2000-2005). In a 13-second video clip, Ben-Gvir delivers a stern warning to the 66-year-old prisoner: “Whoever messes with Israel, we will wipe him out. He who will murder our children, our women, we will wipe him out.” Barghouti, once a charismatic leader in the Fatah terror movement and a prominent figure in planning terror attacks, appeared gaunt and frail, a stark contrast to his former robust image as a terror leader. Despite his diminished state, Barghouti remains a significant figure, with Hamas reportedly demanding his release in hostage negotiations, though Israel is unlikely to comply.
Ben-Gvir’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian officials, who condemned the prison visit as “organized state terrorism” and expressed fears for Barghouti’s safety, citing his prolonged solitary confinement and alleged mistreatment. The minister, known for his provocative stance and leadership of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, has defended his approach, stating he will “repeat it again and again without apologizing.” These measures reflect Ben-Gvir’s broader policy of harsher prison conditions for Palestinian detainees, aligning with his hardline views on national security especially following Hamas' attack on October 7th.