Israel's Ben-Gvir advocates killing '30 to 40' people in Gaza nightly while speaking to ex-hostage
JERUSALEM (AP) — An extremist Israeli lawmaker in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition publicly advocated for killing “30 to 40” people in Gaza each night, comments that surfaced Sunday and were quickly shared by Palestinian media. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir made the statement while speaking to a former Gaza-held hostage, Rom Braslavski , on Braslavski’s podcast. The t
Source: Associated Press · August 17, 2026 at 4:55 PM · AI-assisted report
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Extremist Israeli Minister Advocates Mass Strikes on Gaza, Raising Global Concerns
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JERUSALEM (Reuters) — Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right lawmaker in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, publicly called for nightly strikes in Gaza that would kill “30 to 40” people, remarks that surfaced on Sunday and were widely circulated by Palestinian media.
The comments were made during a podcast interview with Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held in Gaza, as the two discussed Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken.
Ben-Gvir, who has no direct control over military operations, criticized Israel’s recent reduction in airstrikes on Gaza, stating that targeted assassinations should be carried out nightly, targeting not only immediate threats but also individuals deemed “not worthy of life.” His remarks echo past statements that have drawn international condemnation, including accusations of genocidal intent presented to the United Nations’ International Court of Justice. Israel has consistently denied such allegations.
The comments reflect the growing influence of far-right ideologies in Israel ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 27, 2026. While Ben-Gvir lacks authority over military decisions, he holds significant sway over key security institutions, including the national police and the prison system, where thousands of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank are detained.
His policies have included reducing food rations for Palestinian prisoners, a decision later ruled by Israel’s top court in 2025 to violate minimum dietary standards.
Israel’s military had conducted near-daily strikes on Gaza until recently, resulting in over 1,250 deaths since a truce agreement took effect, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. However, the frequency of strikes has reportedly decreased as a concession to U.S. President Donald Trump, following Netanyahu’s rejection of a proposed ceasefire deal.
Israeli media reported last week that strike authorization has been restricted to the army’s chief of staff, a move that has drawn criticism from right-wing lawmakers, including Ben-Gvir.
During the same interview, Ben-Gvir also advocated for the mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and the resettlement of the territory by Israel, a proposal that international legal experts have warned could constitute ethnic cleansing. He stated, “I see all of Gaza as ours,” and proposed expanding Jewish settlements beyond the former Gush Katif bloc, which Israel dismantled in 2005. Ben-Gvir’s vision includes encouraging Palestinian emigration while ensuring that “terrorists” face lethal consequences.
Trump’s latest ceasefire proposal, which Hamas has accepted conditionally, involves a phased disarmament of the militant group in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the deployment of international forces. However, Netanyahu has rejected any concessions until Hamas is fully disarmed, delaying broader ceasefire terms, including reconstruction efforts and the return of displaced civilians.
The impasse underscores the deep divisions between Israel and Hamas, as well as the broader geopolitical challenges in resolving the conflict.
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Outlook The escalation in rhetoric from Israeli officials, including Ben-Gvir’s controversial statements, risks further destabilizing the region and complicating ceasefire negotiations. With elections looming in Israel, the hardening of positions among far-right factions could prolong the conflict, delaying humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza. The international community’s response, particularly from key stakeholders like the United States, will be critical in shaping the trajectory of the war and its broader implications for regional stability.
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