Palestinians condemn Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after video shows him threatening jailed Hamas figure

Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, posted a video on social media showing him inside the cell of Hassan Salama, a Palestinian jailed for about 30 years. Salama is serving multiple life sentences for his role in a series of Hamas-orchestrated attacks in 1996, including bus bombings. In the footage, Ben-Gvir tells Salama, "I want to kill you.... I want you executed," while Israeli security personnel stand nearby. According to the minister, the video was recorded about two weeks before publication.

Legal and political context inside Israel

In March, Israel's Knesset approved legislation that allows the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners in specific cases. The law does not permit the death penalty for Jewish Israelis. Ben-Gvir and his Jewish Power party strongly supported that measure. The video was released in a politically charged period ahead of Israel's October 27 elections, which Palestinian groups and some commentators say gives the footage an electoral dimension.

Ben-Gvir's recent record related to prisoners and occupied territory

The video fits a pattern of confrontational acts and proposals by Ben-Gvir referenced in reporting:

• In August he posted footage entering prison cells of Palestinian women and commented on their conditions.
• Last year he was filmed taunting long-imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti inside a cell.
• He has advocated for annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank and supported expanding gun licences to Israelis in 18 settlements in occupied territory.
• He proposed a seven-year plan called "Disengagement 710," framed as encouraging the "voluntary emigration" of Gaza's roughly two million residents, and said he would create a migration ministry to expel Palestinians if re-elected.

How different parties framed the incident

Palestinian authorities and prisoner advocacy groups framed the video as intimidation and an escalation that endangers detainees. Ben-Gvir framed his actions as part of a hardline security stance and has linked them to wider policy goals, including tougher measures against Palestinians and support for settlers. International responses and legal commentary are not detailed in this report.

• Whether Israeli authorities take any disciplinary or legal steps regarding Ben-Gvir's prison visit and public threats.

• How the footage affects Israeli domestic politics ahead of the October election and whether it alters debate on criminal justice, security, or settler policy.