Full Breakdown
Ben-Gvir Calls for Nightly Killings in Gaza Amid Election Campaign
8/16/2026, 9:07:07 PM
Core Event: Call for Mass Killings
Ben-Gvir added that the people “shouldn’t live” and are “not even people.” The remarks were quickly shared by Palestinian media and have drawn international attention.
Background & Context
Ben-Gvir, a far-right lawmaker in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, oversees Israel’s prison service and national police force. A 2025 Israeli Supreme Court ruling found his prison policies deprived Palestinian detainees of a minimum subsistence diet. Since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 people and produced 251 hostages, Ben-Gvir’s popularity has risen, and his rhetoric has become more visible as Israel approaches national elections on October 27. He has previously advocated reducing food rations for Palestinian prisoners and, in the same interview, promoted mass emigration of Palestinians from Gaza—a proposal international lawyers say could amount to ethnic cleansing.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel will not retreat from any Gaza positions until Hamas is “completely disarmed,” leaving cease-fire elements such as international force deployment and reconstruction on hold. The Israeli government denies accusations of genocide in Gaza, despite past statements by officials being presented to the UN’s International Court of Justice as evidence of genocidal intent.
Criticism & Opposition
Human-rights groups and several UN officials have condemned Ben-Gvir’s statements as indicative of genocidal intent. Israeli domestic media gave the remarks scant coverage, highlighting the marginalization of once-fringe ideologies as the election approaches. International lawyers argue that Ben-Gvir’s advocacy for forced Palestinian emigration could constitute ethnic cleansing under international law.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I see all of Gaza as ours,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir — Itamar Ben-Gvir “I see all of Gaza as ours.”
