The national security minister does not have power to order strikes but is one of the most influential people in Israel
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenAssociated PressPublished: 12:21pm, 17 Aug 2026An 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 Sunday 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 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.”
They shouldn’t live. They’re not even peopleItamar Ben-Gvir, national security ministerIn 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.
