Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for the killing of 30 to 40 Palestinians in Gaza every night, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over what he described as a reduction in Israeli strikes on the enclave. The London Economic reports.
“It’s no secret, I disagree with the prime minister,” Ben-Gvir said in the first episode of the The 8 October podcast, hosted by former Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski. “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,” Ben-Gvir added.
The far-right minister also called for encouraging the mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and said he views the entire territory as belonging to Israel.
“I see all of Gaza as ours,” Ben-Gvir said. “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.”
Ben-Gvir is a member of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition and sits on Israel’s security cabinet, which helps shape the country’s war policy. He does not command the Israeli military, although he oversees the police and prison systems.
His comments come as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues, amid international efforts to reach a longer-term agreement over the conflict.
