Israeli police minister calls for more killings in Gaza

Israel’s police minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for the targeted killing of more Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to remarks he made during a podcast with former Gaza captive Rom Braslavski. The comments were released publicly yesterday and come amid ongoing discussions over the post-war order in Gaza. Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right party Otzma Yehudit, suggested that Israel should carry out precision strikes against Palestinian civilians, including those not directly posing a threat. Ben-Gvir stated that he believes Israel should conduct targeted killings in Gaza, removing 30 to 40 individuals each night. He did not limit his remarks to militant Palestinians or those deemed an immediate danger. Instead, he claimed there were many more people in the Gaza Strip who “do not deserve to live.” His statements reflect a hardline stance that contrasts sharply with broader Israeli government policy and international norms regarding civilian casualties. The remarks by Ben-Gvir have drawn sharp criticism from Iran. Vizier of Foreign Affairs Kasem Gharibabadi condemned the comments on the social media platform X, calling Ben-Gvir a “Zionist criminal” who speaks simultaneously about the displacement of Palestinians and settlement expansion throughout the Gaza Strip. This accusation highlights the deepening tensions between Israel and its regional adversaries, particularly as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. Ben-Gvir’s comments emerged just before new mediation efforts led by U.S. envoy Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, aimed at facilitating peace talks in the region. Kushner has been involved in previous attempts to broker ceasefires and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the timing of Ben-Gvir’s statements raises questions about whether they could complicate diplomatic efforts or further inflame hostilities. Itamar Ben-Gvir has long been known for his controversial views on security and territorial issues. As head of the Otzma Yehudit party, he has consistently advocated for a tough approach toward the Palestinian population and has supported policies that align with the settler movement. His recent comments represent a continuation of this ideology, even as Israel’s leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to balance military action with political stability. The Israeli government has not officially commented on Ben-Gvir’s remarks, though it is widely understood that Netanyahu maintains a firm grip on national security decisions. Nevertheless, the police minister’s statements suggest internal divisions within Israel’s leadership regarding how to handle the conflict in Gaza. These differences may become more pronounced as negotiations continue and the situation on the ground evolves. The call for additional targeted killings comes at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. Civilians are facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, while infrastructure damage continues to mount. International organizations have repeatedly warned of the risks posed by continued violence and the potential for a larger regional conflict. As Kushner prepares to engage in new rounds of diplomacy, the international community will be watching closely to see whether Israel’s leadership can manage both the military campaign and the growing domestic and global pressure to de-escalate the conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with multiple factors, ranging from internal Israeli politics to external pressures, shaping the trajectory of events in the coming days.