Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked strong reactions after announcing plans to expand settlements and push for the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, according to Anadolu.
Speaking at an event in Jerusalem marking the anniversary of Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, Ben-Gvir said the government is working on new measures to “encourage migration” from Gaza and the West Bank. He also mentioned plans for Israeli settlements in Lebanon, a move widely seen as illegal under international law. In a forceful statement, he added that Israel would not hesitate to act against anyone it considers a threat.
His remarks come as tensions remain high across the region. Despite a ceasefire in Gaza that has been in place since October 2025, reports say Israeli military actions continue, with hundreds killed and thousands injured. A separate truce in Lebanon has also seen repeated violations, leading to significant casualties.
Ben-Gvir also highlighted stricter conditions for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. He described removing basic privileges such as access to education, media, and personal items, leaving detainees with what he called only the “bare minimum.”
In March, Israel’s parliament passed a controversial law allowing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners accused of carrying out deadly attacks. The law permits courts to issue death sentences without unanimous agreement, drawing criticism from international organizations. The United Nations has urged Israel to repeal the measure, warning it may violate human rights standards.
According to rights groups, more than 9,600 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli prisons, where concerns about mistreatment and poor conditions continue to grow.
