Jakarta, ThedailyID — Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the killing of 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night.
Ben Gvir made the remarks while speaking with former Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski on a podcast.
He said he disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the reported reduction in Israeli military operations in Gaza.
“I think we should carry out targeted killings in Gaza, killing 30 to 40 people every night,” Ben Gvir said, according to ABC News.
He also made derogatory comments about Palestinians in Gaza during the interview.
“There are people there who do not deserve to live. They should not live. They are not even human,” he said.
The remarks came as Israeli media reported tighter restrictions on military strikes in Gaza. Ben Gvir has opposed the reported changes.
Although he sits on Israel’s security cabinet, Ben Gvir does not have authority to order the military to conduct attacks in Gaza. However, he remains an influential figure in Netanyahu’s government and oversees Israel’s national police and prison system.
Calls for Palestinians to Leave Gaza
During the same interview, Ben Gvir also called for mass Palestinian displacement from Gaza and the construction of Israeli settlements in the territory.
“I see all of Gaza as ours,” Ben Gvir said.
He called for Israeli settlements to be built across Gaza and urged as many Palestinians as possible to leave the territory.
His remarks came as efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza continued. US President Donald Trump’s proposal includes an end to Israeli attacks, a phased troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.
Netanyahu, however, has maintained that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed.
Ben Gvir’s latest remarks have renewed scrutiny over statements by Israeli officials concerning Gaza and Palestinians.
Israel rejects allegations that it is committing genocide in Gaza. The Israeli government says its military campaign targets Hamas and other armed groups rather than Palestinian civilians.
