Israel National Security Minister Ben-Gvir Calls for Killing 30 to 40 People in Gaza Nightly

By Aurax Radio | August 17, 2026 | 2 min read

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called for Israel to kill 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night, saying military forces should carry out targeted strikes beyond those posing an immediate threat. The remarks, made during a recorded podcast interview with former Hamas hostage Rom Braslavski, come as divisions deepen within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition over Israel’s military campaign and the future of Gaza.

Ben-Gvir’s comments come amid the continuing Israeli military campaign and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. File Image

Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of Netanyahu’s government, criticized what he described as a reduction in Israeli strikes in Gaza and argued that the military should conduct nightly targeted killings. He also advocated encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza and called for Israeli settlements to be established throughout the territory. Ben-Gvir is a member of Israel’s security cabinet but does not command the military and cannot independently order strikes.

The comments come as Israel faces continued international scrutiny over its conduct in Gaza and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, according to Israeli figures cited by the Associated Press. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has caused extensive destruction and a large Palestinian death toll, according to Gaza health authorities. Ben-Gvir has repeatedly pressed for a harder-line approach to Gaza, placing him at odds with efforts to reduce fighting and negotiate a broader political settlement.

Ben-Gvir’s statement has drawn renewed attention to the role of far-right politicians in shaping Israel’s Gaza policy. His call for a nightly toll of 30 to 40 people was made publicly despite his lack of direct authority over military operations, while ceasefire and postwar negotiations remain focused on issues including Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal and the future administration of Gaza.

Sources: The Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Euronews, Financial Times and Los Angeles Times.

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