Ben-Gvir calls for nightly killings in Gaza during podcast with ex-hostage

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly called for the killing of 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night, describing Palestinians there as "not worthy of life." The remarks were made during an appearance on a podcast hosted by Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held in Gaza.

Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, used the interview to criticise the recent slowdown in Israeli strikes on Gaza. "It's no secret, I disagree with the prime minister," he said. "I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night."

He went further, saying, "There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn't live. They're not even people." The comments were quickly circulated by Palestinian media outlets.

In the same conversation, Ben-Gvir advocated for the mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the establishment of Israeli settlements across the territory. "I see all of Gaza as ours," he said, calling for settlements "not just in Gush Katif but throughout Gaza." He added that terrorists should receive "no emigration, nothing, just to kill them one by one."

Such proposals have previously been described by international lawyers as potentially amounting to ethnic cleansing. Similar statements by Israeli officials have been presented to the UN's world court as evidence of genocidal intent, a charge Israel denies.

Ben-Gvir does not command the military and cannot order strikes. However, he holds significant influence over Israel's security apparatus, including the prison service and national police. He has previously boasted about reducing food rations for Palestinian prisoners, a practice Israel's top court ruled in 2025 was depriving them of a minimum subsistence diet.

His remarks come as Israel's military has appeared to ease its near-daily strikes on Gaza, a move reported as a concession to the US after Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a truce proposal. Israeli media say strike authority has now been limited to the army's chief of staff, a decision that has angered right-wing lawmakers.

Gaza's Health Ministry reports that over 1,250 people have been killed since an October truce deal took effect. The current ceasefire proposal involves Hamas gradually giving up its weapons, which the group has linked to the creation of a Palestinian state — a condition Israel's government rejects. Netanyahu insists Israel will not withdraw from its positions until Hamas is completely disarmed.