National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Confronts Hamas Terrorist in Prison

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir met with senior Hamas terrorist Hassan Salameh during a tour of a prison. Salameh is responsible for the 1996 Jerusalem bus bombings on line 18, which killed 46 people. Ben-Gvir, who identified Salameh as a close associate of Yahya Sinwar and a Hamas leader sent by Mohammed Deif, directly confronted the terrorist.

During the encounter, Ben-Gvir told Salameh, "As National Security Minister, I have made your life hell in prison. As Defense Minister, I will execute you!" Ben-Gvir recounted that as a youth, he protested the line 18 bombings and that meeting Salameh face-to-face was a "huge full circle" for him. He described looking "the devil in the eyes" and stated Salameh was visibly shaken.

Ben-Gvir added that his policies as National Security Minister have made life difficult for terrorists. He reiterated his intention, should he become Defense Minister, to pursue the execution of terrorists and advance policies for the emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. The minister stated that the terrorist had reason to be scared, as the protester he saw on the streets years ago is now the National Security Minister.