The Chairman of Israel's Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Solberg, has directed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to take down a video he posted on social media that was filmed in a memorial room dedicated to Jewish underground fighters executed by the British. In the video, Ben Gvir stands in front of a gallows and expresses his support for the death penalty for terrorists, making provocative statements that have sparked outrage. The timing of the video and its content raised concerns about its appropriateness and the implications of using such a sensitive historical site in a political campaign.

The video features Ben Gvir looking at a gallows, responding to a remark about Iranian claims regarding his death with a statement emphasizing his desire to execute terrorists. The location of the filming—a room in the Museum of Underground Prisoners in Jerusalem—adds a controversial layer to the situation. This museum commemorates the history of resistance fighters, and Ben Gvir’s choice to utilize it for a propaganda video has not only drawn criticism from various quarters but also questions about the ethical implications of such political actions.

Sources within the Israeli defense establishment reported that Defense Minister Israel Katz had authorized the opening of the museum for the filming, despite its closure due to wartime conditions and guidance from the Home Front Command. This incident underscores the fraught intersection of politics, historical memory, and current security threats in Israel, particularly regarding harsh measures against terrorism. The public response to Ben Gvir’s actions may influence ongoing debates about punitive measures for terrorists as well as the ways in which historical narratives are utilized in current political discourse.