Israeli ultra-nationalist security minister Itamar Ben Gvir has publicly called for the killing of between 30 and 40 people in Gaza each night, according to a recent podcast interview with former Hamas hostage Rom Braslavski. The remarks, which were released in the last few hours, have sparked international condemnation and raised serious concerns over potential war crimes or even genocide. In the interview titled 8 de octubre, Ben Gvir described his vision for Gaza as one where Israeli settlements would spread throughout the territory, and Palestinian residents would be either expelled or killed. He dismissed many of them as "not even people," suggesting they do not deserve to live. Ben Gvir, who does not hold authority over the Israeli military and thus cannot order attacks, expressed disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to reduce strikes on Gaza in favor of advancing U.S.-backed peace talks. His comments come amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Israeli forces continuing their operations against Hamas and other militant groups. The minister, known for his extreme nationalist views and past associations with the banned Kach movement, has long advocated for harsh treatment of Palestinians, including the use of torture and extrajudicial actions. In addition to calling for mass killings, Ben Gvir proposed a policy of large-scale Palestinian migration from Gaza to other countries, framing this as a form of ethnic cleansing. He argued that such measures would allow Jewish settlers to expand into areas currently occupied by Palestinians. This stance aligns with broader right-wing Israeli narratives that deny the existence of a distinct Palestinian people and claim historical Jewish rights to the land. The minister also suggested that individuals deemed "terrorists" should not be allowed to emigrate but instead be executed individually. The podcast, which included both Ben Gvir and Braslavski wearing pins shaped like gallows, a symbol of support for the recently passed death penalty law, was part of a broader campaign promoting the expansion of capital punishment for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis. The law allows for the automatic application of hanging as the default method of execution for such cases, without requiring consensus among lawmakers. Ben Gvir celebrated the law's passage with a champagne toast and a birthday cake decorated with images of the gallows. His remarks were not new. Over the past weeks, Ben Gvir has repeatedly called for the complete conquest of Gaza, the encouragement of mass emigration, and the eradication of Hamas. During a recent interview with a right-leaning radio station, he compared the conflict to a football match, stating that Israel must win decisively, with scores like 6-0 or 7-0. He has also responded to criticism by asserting that he is pushing Prime Minister Netanyahu to prioritize emigration efforts, claiming that he regularly challenges the premier’s policies. Ben Gvir, who was exempted from mandatory military service due to his extremist views, has built his political career around anti-Arab rhetoric and ultra-nationalism. As head of the Ministry of Security, he oversees the police force and prisons, where Palestinian detainees have reported numerous instances of abuse. Since joining the government in 2022, the number of firearms licenses issued to Israelis under his jurisdiction has increased by 126%, reflecting a hardening of the state’s approach toward armed conflict. His controversial behavior has drawn repeated attention, including a May 2026 incident in which he mocked activists from the Global Solidarity Fleet detained in Israel. In a video circulated online, he appeared smiling while waving an Israeli flag and welcoming the activists, who were handcuffed and seated on the ground. Shortly after, in June, he called for the destruction of Lebanon following a U.S.-Iran agreement that extended a ceasefire, declaring that "thousands of mothers should weep." These statements, along with others made by Ben Gvir and other Israeli officials, have been presented before the International Court of Justice as evidence of a possible genocidal intent by the Israeli government. While Israeli leaders deny such allegations, the continued escalation of violence and calls for mass casualties raise urgent questions about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the legality of the actions being taken.
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