Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben‑Gvir said on a podcast that he supports nightly targeted killings of 30 to 40 people in Gaza, regardless of immediate threat.

He made the remarks during an interview with former hostage Rom Braslavski on Braslavski’s podcast on Sunday.

The discussion focused on Israel’s response to the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and on the recent reduction of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

Ben‑Gvir stated that Israel should conduct nightly targeted assassinations, taking down 30 to 40 individuals regardless of whether they pose an immediate threat. He added that many people in Gaza are not worthy of life and should not be allowed to live.

He also advocated for the mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and for Israel to resettle the territory, proposals that international lawyers have said could constitute ethnic cleansing. He said settlements should be expanded throughout Gaza, encouraging as much emigration as possible and leaving no possibility for the remaining population to leave.

Ben‑Gvir’s comments emerged as the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, limited the authority for conducting airstrikes to the army’s chief of staff, a move that has drawn criticism from right‑wing coalition members. The reduction in strikes follows a quiet concession to U.S. President Donald Trump after Netanyahu rejected his latest proposal to advance the truce.

Palestinian media widely reported the statements, which have been presented as evidence in genocide proceedings before the International Court of Justice. Ben‑Gvir, who oversees Israel’s prisons and national police, does not have authority over the military and cannot order strikes. His influence over security services has grown since the October 7 attack, when Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, leaving other elements of the ceasefire, including international forces and reconstruction, on hold. The statement highlights the rise of far‑right viewpoints within the coalition ahead of the October 27 parliamentary election.