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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is once again at the center of controversy after Palestinian leaders accused him of using images of destruction in Gaza to intimidate Palestinian detainees.
The uproar began after Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), shared a video of Ben-Gvir on social media.
The footage, reportedly taken inside an Israeli prison, showed the minister pointing at a large image of bombed buildings in Gaza and explaining its purpose.
“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,” Ben-Gvir is heard saying in the video.
Barghouti described the images as a deliberate tactic to “intimidate Palestinian hostages and political prisoners,” arguing that they were intended to break the morale of those imprisoned. His remarks echoed growing Palestinian criticism that Israel is using psychological warfare against detainees amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
This is not the first time such tactics have been reported. In February, Israeli media disclosed that Palestinian prisoners released in a previous hostage deal were shown a three-minute video produced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in cooperation with the Israel Prison Service. The video depicted large-scale destruction in Gaza, allegedly to deter future acts of resistance.
Ben-Gvir has also taken a personal approach in confronting high-profile Palestinian prisoners. During a recent prison visit, he reportedly warned Mustafa Barghouti directly, telling him: “Whoever messes with Israel – we will wipe him out.”
He went on to say, “You will not defeat us, whoever murders our children and women – we will wipe him out. You need to know this, it’s been like this throughout history.”
The Palestinian Authority (PA) swiftly condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks and actions. In a strongly worded statement, the PA’s Foreign Ministry described his conduct as “an unprecedented provocation and organized state terrorism,” specifically citing his raid on the cell of Marwan al-Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political figure and commander who has been imprisoned for over two decades.
“This is an unacceptable attack that reflects the extremist policies of the current Israeli government,” the PA statement said.
Ben-Gvir, however, doubled down on his comments, dismissing criticism from Palestinian officials. “I will repeat my words again and again without apologizing: anyone who messes with the people of Israel, anyone who murders our children, anyone who murders our women – we will wipe him out. With God’s help,” he said.
The incident adds to Ben-Gvir’s growing list of controversial moves since taking office. Known for his hardline views, the minister has faced repeated accusations of inflaming tensions with Palestinians through his policies on security, policing, and prison administration.
Observers warn that such actions risk further escalating tensions not only between Israeli authorities and Palestinian prisoners but also in the wider conflict that has already devastated Gaza and heightened political divisions.
For Palestinians, the hanging of destruction images in prisons is seen as yet another symbol of collective punishment. For Ben-Gvir, it is a message of deterrence he appears determined to amplify.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members