Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has publicly called for Israeli forces to conduct nightly operations in Gaza, suggesting they should “kill 30 or 40” people regardless of whether they are currently identified as active threats. These remarks were made during a podcast interview with Rom Braslavski, a former Israeli captive who was held in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks.
In the recording, which surfaced on Sunday and gained significant attention across Palestinian media, Ben-Gvir expressed his disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to reduce military strikes under the current ceasefire. He advocated for a return to aggressive, targeted assassinations, stating that some individuals in the territory are “not worthy of life” and should not be considered people.
Although Ben-Gvir holds a position in the security cabinet—a group of high-ranking ministers tasked with shaping national war and security policy—he lacks formal authority to issue direct orders to the military. His influence has grown significantly, however, as the country approaches the October 27 elections.
The discussion also touched upon the potential execution of Palestinian detainees. Ben-Gvir promised to assist Braslavski in participating in the implementation of Israel’s recently enacted death penalty law for those convicted in military courts of involvement in deadly attacks. Braslavski expressed a desire to personally carry out such executions, to which Ben-Gvir pledged to “turn the world upside down” to facilitate his request.
Beyond military strategy, Ben-Gvir reiterated his long-standing position that all of Gaza should be viewed as Israeli territory. He advocated for the permanent displacement of Palestinians from the region and the establishment of new Israeli settlements. International legal experts have cautioned that such forced or engineered mass emigration could be categorized as ethnic cleansing.
Since the onset of the ceasefire in October, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that Israeli military strikes have resulted in more than 1,250 deaths. Ben-Gvir’s rhetoric aligns with his historical political trajectory, which began with his involvement in the now-outlawed Kahanist nationalist movement.
Throughout his tenure as minister, Ben-Gvir has consistently lobbied for the death penalty as a standard sentence for Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks and has openly boasted about his efforts to intensify conditions within Israeli prisons. While his statements have drawn international condemnation and led to sanctions from the United Kingdom and several European Union nations, these measures have not resulted in significant changes to his policy approach or political standing. The report also notes that “I have a personal request, and I am truly looking you in the eyes, minister. The report also notes that let me be the one who hangs them,” Braslavski told Ben-Gvir. The report also notes that “I don’t want a rope; I want a button on a gun. The report also notes that with my own hands, I will execute every terrorist in the state of Israel,” he added. The report also notes that i promise you that I will do everything I can and turn the world upside down until it happens.”. The report also notes that but without serious consequence, that record has drawn international criticism.
Source: Aljazeera
