Israeli Cabinet Minister Urges Nightly Strikes Killing Dozens in Gaza

A senior figure in Israel's security cabinet has

A senior figure in Israel's security cabinet has provoked outrage by proposing that military operations in Gaza should result in the deaths of up to 40 Palestinians each night. The controversial statement came from Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right minister who holds a key position on the body responsible for shaping the country's wartime strategy and broader security policy.

Speaking in an interview, Ben-Gvir argued that a more aggressive nightly campaign would serve as a stronger deterrent against militant groups. He suggested that the current level of force is insufficient and that escalating the casualty rate would pressure Hamas and other factions to capitulate more quickly. The remarks were immediately seized upon by opposition figures and human rights organizations as a call for indiscriminate violence.

Critics within Israel and abroad have condemned the proposal as a violation of international law, pointing out that civilian casualties in Gaza have already drawn widespread condemnation. Ben-Gvir, who leads the Jewish Power party, has a history of inflammatory rhetoric and has previously advocated for measures that many view as extreme, including the expulsion of Palestinians from the occupied territories.

The Israeli military has not issued an official

The Israeli military has not issued an official response to the minister's remarks, but security analysts note that such statements could further strain relations with key allies, including the United States. Washington has consistently urged Israel to minimize civilian harm in its operations against Hamas, and comments like Ben-Gvir's are seen as undermining those diplomatic efforts.

Palestinian officials reacted sharply, calling the proposal a reflection of what they describe as the Israeli government's genocidal intent. The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, has reported tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths since the start of the conflict, though these figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Ben-Gvir's position on the security cabinet gives him a platform to influence, though not directly command, military operations. His comments come at a time when ceasefire negotiations are stalled, and regional tensions remain high. Observers fear that such rhetoric could embolden hardliners on both sides, making a diplomatic resolution even more elusive.

In the wake of the statement, several Israeli

In the wake of the statement, several Israeli parliament members from the opposition have called for an official censure, while civil rights groups have petitioned the attorney general to investigate whether the remarks incite war crimes. The controversy underscores the deep divisions within the Israeli government over how to conduct the war and the broader question of the country's long-term approach to Gaza.