Israeli Minister Ben Gvir’s Taunt of Marwan Barghouti in New Video Draws Widespread Condemnation

A newly surfaced video shows Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, taunting prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti inside his cell, sparking immediate and fierce condemnation from Palestinian officials.

The 13-second clip, reposted on Ben Gvir’s X account after initially circulating among his supporters, marks the first public sighting of Barghouti in years. In the video, Ben Gvir is heard telling Barghouti, “You will not win. He who messes with the people of Israel, he who will murder our children, he who will murder our women, we will wipe him out.” Barghouti, appearing aged and gaunt, can be seen nodding and attempting to interject.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) swiftly condemned the interaction, with Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh describing it as “the epitome of psychological, moral and physical terrorism.” Abdullah al-Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, accused Israel of seeking to “eliminate him and assassinate the leaders languishing in its prisons.”

Marwan Barghouti, 66, has been imprisoned by Israel for over two decades, serving multiple life sentences for his conviction in planning attacks that resulted in civilian deaths. Despite his incarceration, he remains arguably the most popular Palestinian leader, consistently polling ahead of President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leaders in potential presidential elections. He is also a senior figure within the Fatah faction.

Barghouti has been held in solitary confinement since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel, and his release has reportedly been sought by Hamas as part of potential hostage exchange deals, though Israel considers his release highly unlikely.

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