Ben Gvir calls for killing ’30-40′ of Israel’s enemies in Gaza every night, in comments widely shared in Arab media

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly advocates for killing “30 to 40” people in targeted strikes on Gaza each night, apparently referring to Hamas operatives and other enemies of Israel, in comments that have been widely shared today in Arab media outlets.

Ben Gvir made the statement while speaking to former Palestinian Islamic Jihad hostage Rom Braslavski, in the inaugural episode of the ex-captive’s “October 8” podcast, which was published last night.

“It’s no secret, I disagree with the prime minister,” Ben Gvir said of Israel’s reduced operations in Gaza amid an international push to move ahead with US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. “”I think we should carry out targeted assassinations in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night,” he said. Not just those who pose an immediate threat. No, there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people.”

Ben Gvir is a member of the security cabinet, but he does not have power over the military and cannot order strikes on Gaza. But, after operating for decades within Israel’s far-right fringe, he is now among the most influential people in the country.

Speaking on the podcast, Ben Gvir also advocated for mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza — a proposal that international lawyers say could amount to ethnic cleansing — and resettlement of Gaza by Israel.

“I see all of Gaza as ours,” said Ben Gvir in the interview. “Settlements not just in Gush Katif [Israel’s settlement bloc in Gaza, which was evacuated in 2005] 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.”