Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Calls for Nightly Killings in Gaza

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated during an interview on a podcast hosted by former hostage Rom Braslavski that Israel should carry out targeted strikes to kill 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night. Ben-Gvir argued that these strikes should not be limited to those who pose an immediate threat, asserting that some people in Gaza are not worthy of life and are not people at all. He further advocated for the establishment of Israeli settlements throughout the Gaza Strip and the encouragement of Palestinian emigration. During the interview, Ben-Gvir vowed to support Braslavski's request to personally execute captured terrorists using a death penalty law approved by the Israeli Parliament.

The minister also discussed the conditions of imprisoned terrorists, stating that he has removed luxuries and is glad that their situation is bad. Additionally, Ben-Gvir suggested that organizations promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, such as Peace Now or Standing Together, should be outlawed because he believes they support terrorism.

International reactions to the remarks varied. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the attempt to impose the death penalty, stating that no one has the right to take another's life. Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Qaribabadi described Ben-Gvir as a criminal Zionist and called for the documentation of these statements for future accountability. While Ben-Gvir holds significant power over police and prisons, reports note that he does not have direct control over the military operations in Gaza.