Ben-Gvir's noose pin exposes explicit push to kill Palestinians: MK Ofer Cassif

Itamar Ben-Gvir's decision to wear a yellow noose-shaped pin during a Knesset hearing has triggered sharp criticism and formal complaints, after the far-right minister used the symbol to promote a controversial bill enabling the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

Ayman Odeh, leader of the left-wing Hadash party, submitted a letter to the Knesset Ethics Committee on Tuesday calling for action against Ben-Gvir and other Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) MKs who wore the noose pins.

Odeh described the noose as "one of the most prominent and recognised symbols of racism and violence," stressing that "its historical meaning cannot be separated from lynchings and murders committed under the banner of racism". He added: "There is no way to claim ignorance or good intentions."

Hadash MK Ofer Cassif echoed the condemnation, calling Ben-Gvir a "racist thug" and warning: "When symbols of death and killing are worn and celebrated, death and murder themselves are already around the corner."

Ben-Gvir wore the noose pin at a committee meeting discussing a bill he is sponsoring that would allow the death penalty for Palestinians Israel labels as terrorists. His office later defended the symbol, claiming it represents "a commitment to the demand for the death penalty for terrorists" and sends "a clear message that terrorists are deserving of death".

During the hearing, Ben-Gvir went further, saying a range of methods could be used to carry out executions, including "the gallows, the electric chair and also the option of euthanasia".

The bill, which passed a preliminary Knesset vote on 10 November, would apply the death penalty to anyone who allegedly causes the death of an Israeli citizen "with the purpose of harming the State of Israel and the rebirth of the Jewish people in their homeland", according to the Times of Israel.

Yair Golan of the left-wing Democrats said the images of noose pins worn inside the parliament had reflected a dangerous trajectory, while Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid warned the images were circulating globally and causing "indescribable damage".

Neither challenged the bill itself; both focused on the symbol's humanitarian implications and the international fallout.

Ben-Gvir, meanwhile, has faced mounting scrutiny over the treatment of Palestinian detainees. A recent report found that 110 Palestinians have died in Israeli prisons since he became National Security Minister, during which he has repeatedly boasted of worsening conditions and tightening restrictions.

The International Organization of Solidarity with Palestinian Prisoners said that as of November, more than 9,250 Palestinians were held in Israeli prisons, including 3,368 under administrative detention without charge.