Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for killing 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night. The far-right minister made the remarks while discussing Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, incident.
Ben-Gvir criticised what he described as a reduction in Israeli strikes across the Palestinian territory. He also called for targeted killings in Gaza, including people he described as unworthy of life.
His comments have again drawn attention to his position on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. They have also renewed concerns over previous statements made by Israeli officials about Palestinians in Gaza.
What Did Itamar Ben-Gvir Say?
Ben-Gvir made the comments during a podcast conversation with former Gaza hostage Rom Braslavski. During the discussion, he spoke about his disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“It’s no secret, I disagree with the prime minister,” Ben-Gvir said.
He then argued that Israel should conduct targeted killings in Gaza every night.
“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 — there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people.”
The remarks were particularly significant because Ben-Gvir is a senior member of Netanyahu’s coalition government.
However, he does not control Israel’s military and cannot independently order strikes in Gaza. His comments therefore represent his stated position rather than a direct military order.
Why Have His Remarks Drawn Attention?
Ben-Gvir’s latest comments have attracted attention because of his previous statements about Palestinians and Gaza.
Similar statements from the far-right minister and other Israeli officials have previously appeared in proceedings at the International Court of Justice.
Those statements have been cited in arguments concerning alleged genocidal intent.
Israel, however, has rejected allegations that it is committing genocide in Gaza.
Therefore, Ben-Gvir’s latest comments have added to existing scrutiny surrounding his public statements.
His language has also raised further questions about his approach to the conflict.
Ben-Gvir’s Role in Israel’s Security System
Although Ben-Gvir does not command Israel’s military, he remains an influential figure within Netanyahu’s coalition.
As national security minister, he oversees Israel’s national police force and prison service.
The prison service holds thousands of Palestinian detainees from Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Ben-Gvir has previously faced criticism over the conditions experienced by Palestinian prisoners.
In 2025, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that the prison service under his authority had failed to provide Palestinian detainees with adequate food.
Consequently, his responsibilities extend across important parts of Israel’s internal security system.
However, military decisions regarding strikes in Gaza remain outside his direct authority.
Why Did Ben-Gvir Criticise the Reduction in Gaza Strikes?
Ben-Gvir has also opposed what he described as a recent reduction in Israeli air strikes on Gaza.
Israel had been conducting near-daily strikes across the territory.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported more than 1,250 Palestinian deaths after an October ceasefire agreement came into effect.
Ben-Gvir has criticised the reduction in strikes despite not controlling Israel’s military operations.
Israeli media also reported that authority to approve strikes had been restricted to the military chief of staff.
The reported change angered far-right lawmakers, including Ben-Gvir.
As a result, his latest remarks reflect his continuing opposition to what he sees as reduced military action in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir Calls for Palestinian Emigration From Gaza
The Israeli minister also spoke about the future of Palestinians living in Gaza.
During the same interview, he advocated mass Palestinian emigration from the territory.
He also called for Israeli settlements to be established across Gaza.
“I see all of Gaza as ours,” said Ben-Gvir in the interview.
He referred to previous Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and called for their expansion.
“Settlements not just in Gush Katif but throughout Gaza, encouraging as much emigration as possible, sending them to their countries, and for the terrorists, no emigration, nothing, just to kill them one by one.”
His comments therefore combined calls for increased Israeli military action with support for Palestinian emigration.
He also advocated Israeli settlement across the territory.
Concerns Over Forced Displacement
Ben-Gvir’s comments about Palestinian emigration have also attracted international legal concern.
International legal experts have warned that the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza could amount to ethnic cleansing.
His call for encouraging Palestinian emigration has therefore added another contentious element to his remarks.
At the same time, his statements about killings have intensified attention on his position toward Palestinians in Gaza.
The comments come amid continuing scrutiny of Israel’s military actions and political leadership.
What Do Ben-Gvir’s Comments Mean?
Ben-Gvir’s remarks do not amount to a direct military order. He does not control Israel’s military and cannot independently order strikes in Gaza.
Nevertheless, he remains an influential member of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. His public criticism of the reduction in strikes shows his disagreement with the current approach.
Moreover, his comments reveal his support for a significantly more aggressive policy toward Gaza. He has called for nightly targeted killings while also supporting Palestinian emigration. He has additionally advocated Israeli settlement across Gaza.
Taken together, the remarks have renewed attention on the policies and positions he has publicly promoted.
A Controversial Position Within Israel’s Government
Ben-Gvir’s latest comments have once again placed his views on Gaza under international scrutiny. His position differs from any approach that seeks to reduce military action in the territory.
Instead, he has openly argued for continued killings and increased Israeli action. He has also called for Palestinians to leave Gaza while supporting Israeli settlement there. However, his authority remains different from that of Israel’s military leadership.
Therefore, his statements should be understood as political advocacy rather than direct military instructions. Even so, his position carries significance because of his role within Netanyahu’s coalition. His latest remarks are likely to remain part of wider scrutiny surrounding Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
For now, Ben-Gvir continues to advocate a hard-line approach that combines intensified military action, Palestinian emigration and Israeli settlement in Gaza.
