Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has drawn attention for a video he posted featuring a direct threat against Hassan Salameh, a senior Hamas figure currently held in Israeli custody. In the footage, Ben Gvir is seen surrounded by security personnel while addressing the prisoner, stating his intention to see him executed.

Accompanying the video, Ben Gvir wrote that should he be appointed to the position of defense minister, he would ensure that prisoners like Salameh are put to death. The minister indicated that he would prioritize advancing legislation or policy changes to facilitate this outcome. The video has sparked discussion regarding the rhetoric used by high-ranking Israeli officials concerning the treatment and legal status of Palestinian detainees held in the wake of ongoing regional tensions.

While the video clearly captures Ben Gvir’s stated intent, the report from Middle East Eye focuses on the provocative nature of the minister's public comments. The outlet frames the incident as an escalation in the rhetoric coming from the far-right wing of the Israeli government. There is currently no official response from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office or the Israel Prison Service regarding whether these comments represent a shift in official policy or are merely personal political statements by the minister. The report does not detail the specific legal hurdles that would prevent such an execution under current Israeli law, which generally does not provide for the death penalty for the crimes described.