Of the thousands of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel over the years, one figure has taken on an almost mythical status in Palestinian politics, consistently topping public opinion polls for hypothetical presidential elections from behind bars and showing a rare ability to unify a deeply fragmented population: Marwan Barghouti.

It is perhaps for this very reason that Israel has refused to release him, even as it released hundreds of other prisoners in October who were serving life sentences in exchange for hostages in Gaza. 

Barghouti has been imprisoned since 2002, and for the past decade has been prevented from speaking to the media. Since October 7, he has faced repeated abuse and long stretches of solitary confinement. Last August, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was filmed threatening Barghouti, sparking outrage and concern for a man who was barely recognizable in the footage, even to his own family. And just last week, Ben Gvir called for Barghouti to be executed once the death penalty bill passes into law. 

In the latest episode of The +972 Podcast, I speak with Barghouti’s son, Arab. The conversation traces the major milestones of his father’s political life and imprisonment, explaining why Israel views him less as a security threat than a political one, and why his release could reshape Palestinian politics and advance the cause of liberation.

Listen now at the links below, and subscribe so you’ll catch new episodes released every other Thursday.

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