A disturbing TikTok trend centered around Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked widespread condemnation after videos appeared online glorifying the execution of Palestinians through nooses and death penalty imagery.
The viral clips portray Ben-Gvir going to sleep and dreaming about different types of hanging nooses, often accompanied by celebratory music, AI-generated visuals and extremist slogans supporting executions of Palestinian prisoners. Critics say the trend reflects the increasingly normalized dehumanization of Palestinians within parts of Israel’s far-right political culture.
The backlash intensified after users resurfaced footage from Ben-Gvir’s recent 50th birthday celebration, where a cake decorated with a hanging noose was displayed during the event.
The minister was also previously filmed celebrating with champagne after Israel approved legislation allowing the execution of Palestinians accused of terrorism-related offences. Human rights groups and Palestinian advocates warned that the videos go beyond political provocation, accusing Ben-Gvir and his allies of encouraging hatred and openly celebrating state violence during the ongoing war in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir, one of the most hardline figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, has repeatedly faced accusations of incitement and extremist rhetoric directed at Palestinians.
