Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, has controversially called for the killing of “30 to 40 people” each night in Gaza during a podcast interview with Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held by Hamas. This statement has drawn significant condemnation from various international sources.
Ben-Gvir advocated for targeted assassinations, suggesting that such actions should not only focus on individuals posing an immediate threat, but also on others he believes do not deserve to live. He stated, “They shouldn’t live. They’re not even human,” highlighting his extreme stance.
Despite lacking the authority to command military operations, Ben-Gvir also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to decrease attacks in Gaza, which he perceives as an obstacle to advancing President Donald Trump’s peace plan.
A controversial figure, Ben-Gvir did not serve in the military due to his ties to the extremist Kach movement, classified as a terrorist organization in Israel. He further proposed the mass migration of Palestinians from Gaza and suggested that the area should be populated with Israeli settlements, a viewpoint condemned internationally as ethnic cleansing.
He expressed his belief that all of Gaza belongs to Israel and called for settlements not only in Gush Katif but throughout Gaza, advocating for the return of Palestinians to their countries of origin while calling for the death of terrorists.
Minister’s Comments Spark Controversy
During the podcast, Ben-Gvir promised Braslavski that he would seek to enable him to personally execute Palestinian detainees under Israel’s recently adopted death penalty law. Braslavski expressed a desire to carry out these executions himself, stating, “I want a button on a weapon. I will execute every terrorist in the State of Israel.” In response, Ben-Gvir assured him, “I promise I will do everything I can to make this happen. It’s one of my biggest dreams to see you there.”
Ben-Gvir Addresses Prison Conditions
In the discussion, Ben-Gvir boasted about the changes in the conditions for Palestinian prisoners since he took office at the end of 2022. He noted a significant decline in their living conditions, stating that, unlike before, prisoners are now suffering and in poor situations. He expressed satisfaction with their suffering, viewing it as a necessary form of reparation for the pain felt by others.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks on social media, describing him as a “Zionist criminal” and asserting that his statements about the expulsion of Palestinians and settlement construction in Gaza should be recorded for future accountability.
