Jerusalem:Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has released a provocative AI-generated video boasting about the destruction of the Gaza Strip and mocking its Palestinian residents. The video, which comes amid the lead-up to parliamentary elections, showcases a dystopian vision of Gaza as a ghost town by 2030, with its educational institutions, infrastructure, and port in ruins.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the video, posted on the social media platform X, is part of Ben-Gvir's campaign. It features a scene with a donkey, followed by the message "You'd have to be a donkey to stay in Gaza," deriding Palestinians who choose to remain in the territory. Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power party, has previously advocated for the occupation of Gaza, the displacement of its Palestinian population, and the establishment of Israeli settlements there.

Israel's ongoing conflict with Gaza, backed by the US since October 2023, has resulted in over 74,000 deaths and more than 175,000 injuries, devastating 90% of its civilian infrastructure. Despite a ceasefire effective since October 10, 2025, Israel continues to shell and demolish Palestinian structures, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The release of the video follows accusations from Arab parties that Ben-Gvir is leveraging his policies against Palestinians to gain electoral support and intimidate Arab voters. As Israel approaches its parliamentary elections on October 27, a recent Channel 12 poll indicates that opposition parties are projected to win 55 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition is expected to secure 51, both falling short of the 61 seats necessary for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.