Jerusalem, Sep 28 (V7N)- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has said he would seek to implement the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners and advance a policy aimed at removing Palestinians from Gaza and the occupied West Bank if he gains a future senior security post.
In a video posted on social media, Ben-Gvir is seen addressing Palestinian prisoner Hassan Salameh inside an Israeli prison. During the exchange, Ben-Gvir tells Salameh, “I want to execute you.”
In a statement accompanying the video, Ben-Gvir said that if he becomes defense minister, he would work to ensure the death penalty for prisoners such as Salameh.
He also said he would advance what he described as an “immigration policy” concerning Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Salameh has been held in Israeli custody since 1996 and is serving multiple life sentences after being convicted in connection with deadly bombings in Israel during the 1990s.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has previously condemned what it described as Ben-Gvir’s death threats against Salameh.
Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure in Israel’s far-right political camp, has repeatedly advocated tougher measures against Palestinian prisoners and policies concerning Israel’s control of the occupied Palestinian territories.
His remarks come amid continuing political debate in Israel over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, the future of Gaza and policies toward Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
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