Arab Barghouti, the son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, says his father was shot in the foot by an Israeli prison guard last week at Ganot Prison. According to the younger Barghouti, the 67-year-old leader received no medical treatment for the injury. The Israel Prison Service has dismissed the claim as “false and baseless,” asserting that its staff operates under continuous judicial oversight and in accordance with the law.
Allegations of Assault and Prison Conditions
The reported shooting is the latest in a series of abuse allegations involving Marwan Barghouti, who is believed to have been held in solitary confinement for two and a half years. Arab Barghouti stated that the family received word of the incident through his father’s lawyer, Avigdor Feldman. This follows a lawyer’s account from April 12, which alleged that Barghouti had been attacked on three separate occasions—March 24, March 25, and April 8. Israeli attorney Ben Marmarelli claimed that during one of those incidents, Barghouti was severely beaten and left bleeding for more than two hours. The Israel Prison Service has stated it is unaware of these events.
Did You Know? Marwan Barghouti remains a significant political force despite nearly 25 years of imprisonment, having secured the highest number of votes in a Fatah Central Committee election held just two months ago.
Political Stature and the “Intellectual Terrorism” Allegations
The Israel Prison Service recently issued a report characterizing Barghouti as a dangerous figure who has shifted from using weapons to using “intellectual terrorism.” The report, published in the Yedioth Ahronoth supplement, accuses him of maintaining influence from his isolation cell to interfere in Israeli politics and voting patterns among Arab citizens. An Israeli officer quoted in the report compared him to the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, calling him “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Conversely, Israeli journalist Raviv Drucker wrote in Haaretz that the intelligence report was “disgraceful” and suggested that the security establishment should handle Barghouti with more wisdom. Meanwhile, Fatah remains the movement where many Palestinians see Barghouti as a potential presidential candidate. Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that he is expected to run in the next election regardless of official party backing, citing his broad popularity across Palestinian factions, including Hamas.
Expert Insight: The Stakes of Barghouti’s Influence
International Response and Future Implications
The Arab League has formally called for an international committee to investigate the reported assaults and to bring perpetrators before an international court. Barghouti’s wife, Fadwa Barghouti, stated that recent Israeli campaigns against her husband coincide with the expansion of the “Freedom for Marwan, Freedom for Palestine” campaign. As international attention grows, the possibility of his release—a subject previously discussed by U.S. President Donald Trump—remains a point of contention. While right-wing voices in Israel, such as those on Channel 14, argue he should remain imprisoned for life, the combination of his electoral success and international advocacy suggests he will remain a central, if isolated, figure in the Palestinian political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Israeli response to the allegations of abuse?
The Israel Prison Service has labeled the claims of a shooting as “false and baseless,” stating that all staff actions are conducted legally and under judicial oversight. Regarding earlier reports of beatings, the service stated it was unaware of the incidents.
Why do some Israeli officials compare Marwan Barghouti to Yahya Sinwar?
A recent report by the Israel Prison Service described Barghouti as “more cunning” than the late Hamas leader, arguing that he uses “intellectual terrorism” to influence Israeli elections and Arab voters from within his cell.
What is the status of Marwan Barghouti’s political career?
Despite being imprisoned for nearly a quarter of a century, Barghouti remains highly popular. He recently won the most votes for the Fatah Central Committee, and Palestinian sources indicate he is likely to run for president in the next election.
How might the international campaign for his release impact his situation within the Israeli prison system?
