Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked fresh controversy after publicly advocating that Israeli forces kill 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night. The remarks were made during a podcast conversation with former Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski and have since been widely reported by international media.
Ben-Gvir, a prominent far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, said he disagreed with the reduction in Israeli military operations in Gaza. He argued that targeted killings should continue and suggested that dozens of people should be killed every night.
The Israeli minister went beyond those he described as posing an immediate danger. According to reports of the interview, Ben-Gvir said there were people in Gaza who were “not worthy of life” and used dehumanizing language to describe them.
The comments have generated strong criticism because they appear to advocate lethal action beyond individuals posing an immediate threat. Ben-Gvir does not command the Israeli military, although as national security minister he has significant influence over Israel’s police and prison systems.
Ben-Gvir has also continued to support a more aggressive approach toward Gaza, including calls for Israeli settlements in the territory and the departure of Palestinians. His latest comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the future of Gaza.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, according to the statement provided for this report, condemned the remarks and said Ben-Gvir had effectively set a daily figure for killings in Gaza. He also called for such statements to be preserved as evidence for possible future accountability proceedings.
