Full Breakdown
Ben-Gvir Announces Construction of Hanging Facility for Terrorists in Central Israel
8/19/2026, 2:10:28 AM
Core Development: Execution Facility Underway
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir revealed that a dedicated hanging facility is being built inside the already-completed death-row wing of a central Israeli prison. The construction was photographed on August 18, 2026, showing wood and steel structures under blue tents. The design includes viewing booths for bereaved families, a feature Ben-Gvir says mirrors “standard procedures in many countries.”
Legislative Background
The facility follows the Death Penalty for Terrorists Law passed by the Knesset in March 2026 by a vote of 62-48. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the vote, though the majority was sufficient without his presence. In May 2026, Maj-Gen. Avi Bluth, chief of the IDF Central Command, incorporated the law into West Bank security regulations. Six bereaved family members from the Choosing Life Forum were appointed in June 2026 as official inspectors to oversee conditions for death-sentence prisoners. The law mandates that executions occur within 90 days of sentencing for Palestinians convicted by military courts.
Data & Statistics
- Vote count: 62 in favor, 48 against (Knesset).
- Inspectors appointed: six family members (Choosing Life Forum).
- Execution deadline: 90 days after a death-sentence is handed down.
Official Statements & Responses
Ben-Gvir framed the project as the fulfillment of promises he made earlier in the year: worsening prison conditions for terrorists, passing the death-penalty law, and now constructing the execution wing.
A group of Israeli-Arab lawmakers also lodged a petition in April, claiming the law is unconstitutional because it breaches rights to life, dignity, equality, and due process, and discriminates against Palestinians in West Bank military courts.
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani posted on X/Twitter that “no one can arrogate to themselves the right to take someone’s life,” condemning the death-penalty provision.
Criticism & Opposition
Human-rights organizations and several European states have publicly criticized the policy, warning that the death penalty for civilians contravenes international humanitarian law. Legal scholars note that the law’s application exclusively to Palestinians tried in military courts raises concerns of discriminatory enforcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I promised to worsen the conditions of terrorists in prisons - we kept it,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, national security minister
- “We promised — we are delivering,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, national security minister
- “There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, national security minister
- “No one can arrogate to themselves the right to take someone’s life,” — Gvir Antonio Tajani
- “It's no secret that I disagree with the Prime Minister. I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, and 30 to 40 people should be neutralized every night. Not only those who pose a direct threat at that moment, but there are people who don't deserve to live there. They should not live. They are not even human.” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, national security minister
