Ben Gvir Calls for Killing 30 to 40 Palestinians in Gaza Nightly

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called for Israeli forces to kill 30 to 40 Palestinians in Gaza every night, stating that some people in the territory "are not worthy of life." The comments, which surfaced on Sunday, August 16, 2026, were made during a podcast interview with Rom Braslavski, a former Israeli hostage held in Gaza.

Ben Gvir, a far-right figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, made the remarks while criticizing the recent reduction in Israeli military strikes in Gaza. "It's no secret, I disagree with the prime minister," Ben Gvir 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."

The minister, who oversees Israel's police and prison services, does not have direct authority over the military and cannot order strikes himself. However, he sits on Israel's security cabinet, which helps shape war and security policy. His statements represent a direct challenge to Netanyahu's current approach, which has seen a drawdown in strikes...