Israel's far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted a video of an execution site being built to hang Palestinians convicted of terror offences under a death penalty law that does not apply to Israelis, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Ben-Gvir posted a video of the construction of a gallows site for hanging Palestinians convicted of terror offences.
- The Guardian reports the death penalty law does not apply to Israelis, including Jewish extremists accused of similar crimes.
- Ben-Gvir said the site would include viewing booths where families of victims could watch the hangings.
- Ben-Gvir has previously attracted international sanctions and condemnation for his activities.
Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has posted a video showing the construction of a site where Palestinians convicted of terror offences are to be hanged, according to the Guardian.
The Guardian described the video as gloating and reported that Ben-Gvir said those convicted in military courts of terror offences would be executed following the passing of a death penalty law. According to the outlet, the law does not apply to Israelis.
The report notes that the death penalty would apply to Palestinians convicted of terror offences but not to Jewish extremists accused of similar crimes, drawing a distinction in how the law is enforced.
Ben-Gvir said the new execution site would be equipped with viewing booths where families of victims could watch the hangings, according to the Guardian.
The minister has previously attracted international sanctions and condemnation for his activities, the Guardian reported.
Why it matters
The construction of an execution site that applies to Palestinians but not to Israelis raises significant questions about equal application of the law and human rights. Capital punishment is a deeply contested issue internationally, and the move by a sanctioned minister is likely to draw further scrutiny of Israel's policies.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Itamar Ben-Gvir?
According to the Guardian, Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israel's far-right national security minister who has attracted international sanctions and condemnation for his activities.
Does the death penalty law apply to Israelis?
No. The Guardian reports that the death penalty law does not apply to Israelis, including Jewish extremists accused of similar crimes, and would be applied to Palestinians convicted in military courts of terror offences.
What did Ben-Gvir say about the execution site?
According to the Guardian, Ben-Gvir said the new execution site would be equipped with viewing booths where families of victims could watch the hangings.