Israeli Minister Calls for Military to Kill 30 to 40 Palestinians a Night

Israel’s genocidal national security minister has called for security forces to kill between 30 and 40 Palestinians every night.

Itamar Ben-Gvir made the comments during an episode of a new podcast called October 8, which is hosted by former Israeli soldier Rom Braslavski, who was held captive by Hamas.

“I think targeted killings should be carried out in Gaza every night. Kill 30 or 40,” Ben-Gvir said, “not only those who pose a danger to you at that particular moment”.

“There are people there who are not worthy of life. They shouldn’t live. They’re not even people,” he added.

During the exchange, which aired over the weekend, Braslavski pleaded with Ben-Gvir for permission to execute Palestinian captives personally.

“I have a personal request, and I am looking at you straight in the eyes, honoured minister. Let me be the one who hangs them,” Braslavski told Ben-Gvir. “With my own hands, I will execute every terrorist in the state of Israel.”

Ben-Gvir replied: “I will turn the world upside down to make that happen. I promise you that I will do everything I can and turn the world upside down until it happens.”

Braslavski was on leave from the military and working as a security guard at the Nova festival when it was attacked by Hamas on 7 October 2023. He was held captive for more than two years before his release on 13 October 2025 as part of a deal, and was one of the last 20 Israeli captives to make it out of Gaza alive.

The far-right politician has repeatedly expressed opposition to peace agreements and called for Israel to fully occupy the Gaza Strip and expel Palestinians en masse. 

Earlier this year he publicly humiliated humanitarian activists and championed controversial legislation making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of terrorism offences by military courts.

Ben-Gvir told Braslavski that it was “no secret” he disagreed with the current so-called ceasefire in Gaza – during which Israel has continued to massacre civilians – and called instead for an escalation of military strikes. 

While Ben-Gvir does not command the Israeli military, his position within the governing coalition gives him significant sway over Israel’s approach to the genocide in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure to adopt an even more extreme stance on Gaza ahead of elections on 27 October.