Extremist Jewish minister Itamar Ben-Gvir suddenly visited the imprisoned Palestinian mujahid Marwan Barghouti and made insulting remarks, threatening to oppress the Palestinian people. Ben-Gvir’s visit and comments came just a day after another extremist Jewish minister said they would bury hopes of establishing a policy for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Ben-Gvir shared a video on X showing him making insulting remarks to Barghouti. The Palestinian Authority said Ben-Gvir’s words were a direct threat to Barghouti. The Palestinian Authority strongly condemned the threats made to Barghouti.
Barghouti is a senior member of Fatah, the group running the Palestinian Authority. The Jews arrested Barghouti in 2004, accusing him of involvement in attacks during the Second Intifada. He denies these accusations. Barghouti’s supporters believe he will be the next President of Palestine. Many believe he is the one who can reunite the divided Palestinian political landscape.
There hasn’t been an election for the Palestinian Authority since 2005. According to a poll published by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research last May, if an election were held between current Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal, and Barghouti, Barghouti is expected to win 50 percent of the vote.
