Far-right Ben-Gvir urges Israel to kill ‘30 to 40 every night’ in Gaza

The national security minister does not have power to order strikes but is one of the most influential people in Israel

The two were discussing Israel’s recovery from the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, when Ben-Gvir criticised Israel’s recent drawdown of strikes in Gaza.

“It’s no secret, I disagree with the prime minister,” he said. “I think targeted assassinations should be carried out in Gaza, taking down 30 to 40 every night. Not just those who pose an immediate threat – there are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people.”

In the past, similar statements by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials were widely condemned. Many have been presented to the UN’s World Court as evidence of genocidal intent. Israel denies it has committed genocide in Gaza.