Jerusalem: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked controversy with his recent calls for intensified airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, suggesting that Israel should aim to kill '30 to 40' Palestinians daily. He reiterated his stance on resettling Israelis in the Palestinian enclave, displacing the indigenous population in the process.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Jewish Power party, made these remarks during the 'October 8' podcast, hosted by Rom Braslavski, a former Israeli prisoner of Hamas. Excerpts from the interview were published by the Jerusalem Post on Monday, where Ben-Gvir argued against limiting attacks only to those posing an immediate threat, advocating instead for comprehensive airstrikes throughout Gaza.

Ben-Gvir controversially stated that some individuals 'aren't worthy of life,' suggesting that they are not 'people at all.' He further asserted that Palestinians not involved in combat should not be spared from Israeli attacks. Referring to a woman who assisted Braslavski during his captivity, Ben-Gvir labeled her a 'terrorist' deserving of execution.

Braslavski, who was captured on October 7, 2023, and later released in a prisoner exchange on October 13, 2025, was a central figure in the podcast discussion.

Ben-Gvir also reiterated his call for the reestablishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza, emphasizing that the area should be considered Israeli territory. He proposed the relocation of settlements beyond the former Gush Katif settlement bloc, which was evacuated by Israel in 2005, to encompass the entire Gaza Strip. He encouraged Palestinian residents to leave their homes voluntarily to facilitate 'as much emigration as possible.'

The Jerusalem Post cited Ben-Gvir's belief that Israel should eliminate '30 to 40 Gazans in strikes every night,' targeting those he labeled as 'terrorists.' He expressed satisfaction over the harsh conditions faced by Palestinians in Israeli prisons, noting that they 'suffer greatly' and described his pleasure with these conditions.

Ben-Gvir also advocated for the banning of Israeli rights groups that promote Palestinian-Israeli coexistence, accusing organizations like Peace Now and Standing Together of 'supporting terrorism.' Rights groups report that approximately 9,500 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently detained in Israeli prisons.