Israeli Security Minister Ben-Gvir Disregards Israel's Reputation

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has once again ignited international controversy with inflammatory statements, this time advocating for the nightly targeted killing of 30 to 40 people in the Gaza Strip. While Ben-Gvir claimed these remarks were directed at Hamas and other terror group members, international interpretations suggest a broader implication, potentially affecting any individual in Gaza.

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In a podcast, the extremist demanded that 30 to 40 people in the Gaza Strip should be deliberately killed by Israel every night.

Ben-Gvir further clarified his position, stating that even individuals not posing an immediate threat should be targeted. He cynically added that some people in Gaza do not deserve to live, as they are not even human. These statements have drawn widespread condemnation, including from Elie Rosen, President of the Jewish Community of Salzburg, Styria, and Carinthia, who called Ben-Gvir a "disgrace to the entire Jewish people and the State of Israel."

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Even persons, 'who currently pose no immediate danger,' should be put on the death list.

Despite the international outcry and calls for his removal from the Israeli government, including from Oskar Deutsch, President of the Jewish Community of Vienna, Ben-Gvir remains in his post. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly relies on the far-right provocateur to maintain his coalition government. Bringing Ben-Gvir, a figure convicted in 2007 for incitement to racism and support of a terrorist organization, into the government was considered a significant breach of norms.

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There are people in the Gaza Strip who do not deserve to live, as they are not even human.

As Israel heads towards parliamentary elections, both Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir are actively campaigning. Ben-Gvir's small far-right party, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has consistently promoted ultranationalist agendas and the idea of expelling millions of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. While the trauma of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks may have made some Israelis more receptive to extremist ideas, politicians like Ben-Gvir and Smotrich do not represent a modern, internationally respected Israel.

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Ben-Gvir is a 'disgrace to the entire Jewish people and the State of Israel.'