Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly called for killing between 30 and 40 people each night in Gaza during a podcast released on Sunday. The remarks were made on a programme hosted by Rom Braslavski, who was held hostage by Hamas in the Strip.
"I believe targeted killings should be carried out in Gaza, eliminating between 30 and 40 people each night," Ben Gvir said, according to the podcast. The minister added that the practice should not be limited to those posing an immediate threat.
During the programme, Ben Gvir expressed disagreement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to reduce attacks on Gaza to advance a "peace plan" promoted by US President Donald Trump. "It's no secret, I disagree with the Prime Minister," he stated.
Ben Gvir also proposed "mass migration of Palestinians" from Gaza and the settlement of the Strip with Jewish settlements. According to the minister, this would include establishing colonies "not only in Gush Katif, but throughout Gaza", combined with what he described as sending Palestinians "to their countries of origin".
Ben Gvir, a settler in occupied West Bank, has built his political career around ultranationalist positions. As National Security Minister, he controls the Israeli police and prisons where Palestinians have reported cases of torture.