Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited a prison to meet with a convicted terrorist who had raised complaints about conditions in the facility. During the encounter, the inmate voiced concerns about food quality, water cleanliness, medical treatment, and cell access, stating that the conditions had contributed to depression.
Ben Gvir wore a gold lapel pin shaped like a hangman's noose, signifying his backing for legislation authorizing capital punishment for terrorists. Because the prisoner spoke Arabic, an interpreter conveyed remarks between the minister and inmate.
The minister rejected the grievances, stating that "The food does not need to be good. This is not a hotel." He emphasized that prison was not meant to provide comfort for those convicted of terrorism, and that individuals who commit serious crimes against Israel and the Jewish people must face consequences.
"Once this place was a hotel. Today it is no longer a hotel," Ben Gvir told the prisoner. "The hotel is over. This is the State of Israel."
He concluded by directing a message to the inmate: "Anyone who commits a crime against the Jewish people should think about what they did. Don't come back here."