Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has announced that construction is under way on a prison facility intended to carry out hanging executions of Palestinian prisoners convicted of terrorism-related offences.
Ben-Gvir released a video showing himself at an undisclosed construction site in central Israel, where work is reportedly progressing on a dedicated death-row section. The announcement has renewed international and human-rights concerns over Israel’s recently expanded death penalty legislation.
Dedicated Facility Planned for Death Sentences
According to Ben-Gvir, the new complex will include a special wing for prisoners sentenced to death as well as a facility where executions by hanging can be carried out.
The minister also said viewing areas would be built so relatives of victims could observe executions. The precise location of the construction site has not been publicly disclosed, although Israeli reports indicate that it is connected to a prison facility in central Israel.
Ben-Gvir presented the construction as the latest step in a policy he has championed since joining the government, including tougher prison conditions for Palestinian security prisoners and the introduction of capital punishment for certain terrorism convictions.
The project follows legislation approved by Israel’s parliament earlier this year that expands the use of the death penalty in terrorism-related cases. The law was promoted by Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party and passed the Knesset by a vote of 62 to 48.
Death Penalty Law Draws International Criticism
Under the new legislation, Palestinian prisoners convicted in military courts of certain terrorism-related offences can face a death sentence. Critics have argued that the law creates a discriminatory system because its practical application differs between Palestinians prosecuted under military law and Jewish Israelis prosecuted through the civilian legal system.
Human-rights organizations have strongly criticized the legislation, warning that it could weaken protections surrounding the right to life and fair trials.
The controversy has also intensified scrutiny of Ben-Gvir, whose political career has been marked by provocative statements and policies concerning Palestinians and Israeli security.
The minister has faced international criticism in recent months, including sanctions from several European governments. His latest announcement comes shortly after he faced condemnation for comments advocating an increase in targeted killings in Gaza.
Construction Marks New Stage in Israel’s Capital Punishment Policy
The construction of a dedicated execution facility would represent a significant practical step toward implementing Israel’s expanded death penalty law.
While Israel has historically had extremely limited use of capital punishment, the new legislation has placed the issue back at the centre of the country’s political and legal debate.
The development is likely to fuel further international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners and its wider policies in the occupied territories. Rights groups and Palestinian organizations have called for international intervention, while supporters of the legislation argue that severe punishment is necessary for people convicted of deadly attacks.
The planned gallows facility therefore marks not only a new stage in Israel’s prison policy but also another major flashpoint in the continuing Israel-Palestine conflict.
