Israeli minister calls for nightly killings in Gaza

Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, advocated for a drastic escalation of violence in Gaza, proposing the killing of "30 to 40" people each night through targeted assassinations. Speaking on a podcast published over the weekend, Ben-Gvir expressed disagreement with the prime minister's approach, arguing for nightly strikes that go beyond immediate threats.

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It's no secret, I disagree with the prime minister … I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night.

"Not just those who pose an immediate threat," Ben-Gvir stated. "There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn't live. They're not even people." He made these remarks to Rom Braslavski, a former hostage in Gaza. Ben-Gvir also asserted his view that "all of Gaza is ours," expressing a desire for settlements throughout the territory and encouraging emigration for Palestinians, while advocating for the killing of "terrorists one by one."

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Not just those who pose an immediate threat. There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn't live. They're not even people.

These inflammatory statements have drawn international attention and condemnation. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X, calling for Ben-Gvir's comments to be preserved as evidence for future trials. Legal experts and the UN Secretary-General have previously warned that forcing Palestinians to leave Gaza could constitute ethnic cleansing. Ben-Gvir's remarks are being presented to the UN as part of evidence alleging genocidal intent by Israel's government in Gaza. The minister has a history of controversy, having been publicly rebuked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in May following the release of a video showing Ben-Gvir's treatment of an individual.

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I see all of Gaza as ours.