Israel’s Ben Gvir advocates killing ’30 to 40’ people in Gaza nightly while speaking to ex-hostage
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly advocated for the targeted killing of 30 to 40 people in Gaza nightly during a podcast interview. These comments have drawn international scrutiny and are being cited by critics as evidence of genocidal intent.
Why it matters
The rhetoric from a high-ranking Israeli official complicates international diplomatic efforts and highlights the deepening political divide within Israel regarding the conflict in Gaza.
An extremist Israeli lawmaker in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition publicly advocated for killing “30 to 40” people in Gaza each night, comments that surfaced on Sunday (August 16, 2026) and were quickly shared by Palestinian media.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir made the statement while speaking to a former Gaza-held hostage, Rom Braslavski, on Braslavski’s podcast. The two were discussing Israel’s recovery from the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, when Ben-Gvir criticized 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.”
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