Israeli Minister Calls for Execution of Palestinian Prisoners, Expulsion of Families

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the execution of Palestinian prisoners, the expulsion of their families, and the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. These statements were published via his social media account.

Ben-Gvir stated that he views prisoners within jails and described making their lives hell. He believes ending what he called "40 years of ongoing chaos," canceling "pampering" conditions, and closing what he likened to "hotels" inside prisons are important steps. He added that the "greater mission" is to kill and execute "terrorists" still alive, expressing his wish for this to happen and praising Israeli soldiers who killed Palestinians as heroes.

He also advocated for expelling the families of those he described as "terrorists" and dismantling the Palestinian Authority, accusing it of being "Nazi-like." This accusation stems from what he claimed is the Authority's role in educating children to kill and naming squares after murderers, expressing hope that these measures will be implemented.

In March 2026, the Israeli Knesset passed a law expanding the death penalty for killings classified as terrorism, applicable to Palestinians under military courts in the West Bank. This law faced criticism from human rights organizations, which deemed it discriminatory, and legal challenges were filed with the Israeli Supreme Court.

Ben-Gvir has previously released videos from inside prisons showing him confronting Palestinian prisoners and threatening to pursue their execution, as well as promoting harsher detention conditions. Some of these videos have drawn legal objections, including decisions from the Israeli Central Elections Committee regarding the use of security facilities for electoral campaign materials.