Jerusalem, 16 Aug. (LaPresse/AP) – Israel’s Minister of National Security, the extremist Itamar Ben-Gvir, has argued that “between 30 and 40” people should be killed each night in Gaza. His remarks, which came to light today, were immediately condemned internationally. Ben-Gvir made these comments during a podcast in conversation with Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held in Gaza. The two were discussing Israel’s recovery following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 when Ben-Gvir criticised the recent reduction in Israeli strikes on Gaza, stating that targeted killings should be carried out. He wields considerable influence over the Israeli security apparatus, but cannot order military strikes. The remarks have caused alarm amongst Palestinians and have been widely shared on social media. “It’s no secret, I disagree with the Prime Minister,” he said. “I think targeted killings should be carried out in Gaza, eliminating 30 to 40 people every night. Not just those who pose an immediate threat: there are people there who do not deserve to live. They should not be alive. They are not even people,” he added. In the past, similar statements by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials have been widely condemned. Many have been submitted to the UN International Court of Justice as evidence of genocidal intent. Israel denies having committed genocide in Gaza. The Israeli national media have given little coverage to the statement, highlighting how once-marginal ideologies such as Ben-Gvir’s are gaining ground ahead of the Israeli elections on 27 October.
Gaza, Ben-Gvir: ‘We should be killing 30–40 Palestinians a night’
Jerusalem, 16 Aug. (LaPresse/AP) – Israel’s Minister of National Security, the extremist Itamar Ben-Gvir, has argued that “between 30 and 40” people should be killed each night in Gaza. His remarks, which came to light today, were immediately condemned internationally. Ben-Gvir made these comments during a podcast in conversation with Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held in Gaza. The two were discussing Israel’s recovery following the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 when Ben-Gvir criticised the recent reduction in Israeli strikes on Gaza, stating that targeted killings should be carried out. He wields considerable influence over the Israeli security apparatus, but cannot order military strikes. The remarks have caused alarm amongst Palestinians and have been widely shared on social media. “It’s no secret, I disagree with the Prime Minister,” he said. “I think targeted killings should be carried out in Gaza, eliminating 30 to 40 people every night. Not just those who pose an immediate threat: there are people there who do not deserve to live. They should not be alive. They are not even people,” he added. In the past, similar statements by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials have been widely condemned. Many have been submitted to the UN International Court of Justice as evidence of genocidal intent. Israel denies having committed genocide in Gaza. The Israeli national media have given little coverage to the statement, highlighting how once-marginal ideologies such as Ben-Gvir’s are gaining ground ahead of the Israeli elections on 27 October.