Israel’s far-right security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has sparked outrage with a video posting taunting life-sentence Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti. The 13-second clip shows Barghouti, 66, appearing gaunt and frail as Ben Gvir threatens to “wipe out” those who harm Israelis.
Barghouti is serving five life sentences for his role in planning attacks that killed Israeli civilians. Despite his harsh imprisonment, he remains a highly influential figure in Palestinian society, with some even considering him a potential successor to the aging Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The video’s release has prompted condemnation from Palestinian officials and human rights groups, who describe Ben Gvir’s actions as “psychological, moral, and physical terrorism.” Barghouti’s family has also expressed concern over his condition, saying he is being “starved” in solitary confinement.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/15/middleeast/ben-gvir-barghouti-prison-intl