Key facts
- Former Israeli captive Rom Braslavski asked Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to let him execute Palestinian prisoners.
- Ben Gvir responded that he would try to make the request happen and that it was one of his dreams.
- Ben Gvir stated that Palestinian prisoners are suffering and he is glad it is bad for them.
- Ben Gvir called for intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza, including targeted assassinations and expulsion of the population.
- Ben Gvir expressed a desire for Israeli settlements throughout Gaza and encouraged Palestinian emigration.
- Recent polls show significant Israeli public support for expelling Palestinians and annexing the West Bank.
A former Israeli soldier, Rom Braslavski, who was held captive in Gaza, asked National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to allow him to personally execute Palestinian prisoners. The exchange occurred during an interview for Braslavski's new podcast, 'October 8'.
Braslavski, who was released in October 2025, stated his desire to personally execute "every terrorist in the State of Israel." Ben Gvir responded positively, promising to "try and turn the world upside down to make this happen" and calling it one of his dreams. He further stated that Braslavski was "the right person in the right place" to carry out such executions and that the prisoners "don't deserve to live."
Ben Gvir, whose ministry oversees the Prison Service, has advocated for harsher conditions for Palestinian detainees. The report notes that an Israeli court previously blocked a plan by Ben Gvir to place crocodiles in moats around prisons holding Palestinian inmates. Additionally, an Israeli bill sponsored by Ben Gvir's party to establish public trials and impose the death penalty on those accused of participating in the October 7 attacks was approved by parliament.
During the interview, Ben Gvir also expressed satisfaction with the difficult conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners, stating, "They are suffering, it's hard for them, it's bad for them, and I'm glad it's bad for them." He also called for an intensification of Israeli attacks in Gaza, suggesting the killing of "30 to 40 every night" and the eventual expulsion of the Palestinian population.
Ben Gvir reiterated his long-standing demand for Israeli settlements throughout Gaza and encouraged Palestinian emigration. He clarified that for "terrorists," there should be no emigration, only execution. The minister's comments come amid scrutiny of his influence within the government and his policies. Recent polls indicate a significant portion of Israelis favor expelling Palestinians from the West Bank and annexing the territory. The report also mentions that the International Criminal Court has examined issuing an arrest warrant for Ben Gvir.