Hakim Ziyech in heated social media clash with Israeli minister

Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech has been involved in a heated social media exchange with Itamar Ben-Gvir following the adoption of a controversial law in Israel.

The dispute unfolded on Instagram after the midfielder, currently sidelined through injury at Wydad Casablanca, reacted to a decision taken by the Knesset.

On March 30, lawmakers approved legislation allowing the use of the death penalty against Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly attacks.

The measure was welcomed by Ben-Gvir, a leading figure within Israel’s far-right political movement, who described it as a “historic victory against terrorism”.

His stance quickly drew criticism, including from Ziyech, who used his social media platform to question the justification behind the decision.

In a message shared with his followers, the Moroccan player posted an image of the minister celebrating the vote, adding the comment: “Will [Ben-Gvir] claim this time that passing the new law is simply self-defense?”

Ben-Gvir responded publicly, accusing the footballer of anti-Semitism. “A man who supports murderers cannot lecture the State of Israel on morality,” he said, before adding: “Ziyech and all his ilk will not escape reality: Israel will no longer treat its enemies with kid gloves.”

The exchange did not end there. Ziyech later published another message on Instagram, writing: “we don’t fear Zionism.” The post was accompanied by an image featuring a pig’s head, further intensifying the confrontation between the two figures.

The episode highlights how political developments can spill into the sporting world, particularly when high-profile athletes use their platforms to express views on global issues.

Ziyech, who commands a large online following, has previously used social media to comment on matters beyond football.

At present, the Moroccan remains unavailable for selection due to a muscle injury, but his online remarks have placed him at the centre of a wider political debate.

The incident has also drawn attention to the broader tensions surrounding the newly adopted law and the reactions it continues to provoke internationally.