German officials condemn Israeli minister's Gaza comments

German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has strongly condemned statements made by Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding potential violence in Gaza. Ben-Gvir reportedly suggested that "30 to 40 killings per night" could occur and described some individuals as "not worthy of life."

Klingbeil labeled Ben-Gvir's behavior as "inhumane" during a television interview. While expressing solidarity with the state of Israel, he stated he is not in solidarity with "such ministers." Klingbeil believes Ben-Gvir has crossed a line and that the German government must clearly object, which he is doing. He called for a serious examination of sanctions against Ben-Gvir at the European level.

The Israeli minister's comments, made in a podcast with a former Hamas hostage, have drawn widespread criticism. The Central Council of Jews in Germany also issued a strong rebuke. Council President Josef Schuster called Ben-Gvir's actions "deeply shameful and irresponsible," highlighting the danger posed by far-right forces. Schuster asserted that Ben-Gvir's "inhumane statements" are diametrically opposed to Jewish values and harm Israel's reputation, emphasizing his explicit distancing from the minister.