Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has sparked controversy following remarks made during a podcast interview with Rom Braslavski, a former hostage held in Gaza. During the discussion, Ben-Gvir suggested that the Israeli military should intensify its efforts by targeting 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night as part of its ongoing campaign.

Ben-Gvir, known for his hardline stance within the Israeli government, framed the suggestion as a necessary measure to exert pressure and achieve security objectives. The comments have drawn attention due to the specific nature of the proposal and the high-profile platform on which they were delivered. While the Israeli government has maintained a policy of targeting Hamas leadership and infrastructure, Ben-Gvir’s public call for a specific nightly quota of casualties represents a significant escalation in the rhetoric used by members of the current cabinet.

There is no indication that this suggestion has been adopted as official military policy by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or the broader war cabinet. The remarks highlight ongoing internal divisions within the Israeli government regarding the conduct of the war in Gaza and the appropriate methods for securing the release of remaining hostages. Critics of the minister argue that such statements undermine international efforts to de-escalate the conflict, while supporters of the minister’s broader platform often view his rhetoric as a necessary show of strength against Hamas.