Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Urges Nightly Killings in Gaza

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly called for the killing of 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night, a statement that surfaced on Sunday and was quickly shared by Palestinian media.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by former hostage Rom Braslavski, Ben-Gvir criticized the recent reduction in Israeli strikes on Gaza. He said he disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach, advocating instead for targeted assassinations on a nightly basis.

"There are people there who are not worthy of life," Ben-Gvir said. "They shouldn't live. They're not even people."

The remarks have drawn comparisons to past statements by Israeli officials that were presented to the UN's world court as evidence of genocidal intent. Israel denies such allegations.

Ben-Gvir, once a fringe figure, has gained significant influence since the October 2023 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. He now controls Israel's prison system and national police force, though he does not command the military.

His comments come as Israel's military has appeared to ease strikes on Gaza, a move seen as a concession to the U.S. after Netanyahu rejected a truce proposal. Israeli media reported that strike authority has been limited to the army chief of staff, angering right-wing lawmakers.

In the same interview, Ben-Gvir advocated for mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and renewed Israeli settlement there, proposals that international lawyers say could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Israel's domestic media has given little attention to the remarks, reflecting a broader shift as once-marginal ideologies gain traction ahead of elections scheduled for October 27.