Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, recently questioned whether the military could kill Palestinians taken captive instead of arresting them, dehumanizing residents of Gaza. This comment was made during a security cabinet meeting where Israeli Defense Force chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi briefed ministers on recent operations in Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a military offensive in response to attacks by Hamas. Ben-Gvir’s suggestion to kill some captives rather than arresting them was met with confusion by Halevi, who stated that those who surrender should be arrested not shot.
Ben-Gvir had previously called for executing Palestinian captives as a solution to overcrowding in prisons, and proposed building more prison space for them. In another incident, he called for shooting Palestinian women and children in Gaza to protect troops, despite the fact that such actions would be considered war crimes under international law. Israel has faced accusations of genocide against Palestinians and criticism for the indiscriminate killing of civilians, settler violence, and the blocking of aid, as well as the dehumanizing language used to describe Palestinians.
The Biden administration has expressed opposition to Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet members, including Ben-Gvir, who advocate for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the expansion of Jewish settlements. Ben-Gvir has faced backlash from within the Israeli government for his comments, particularly after claiming that Biden hindered Israel’s military campaign and suggesting that former President Trump would have allowed more freedom to fight in Gaza if he were in power. Ben-Gvir, a former member of the anti-Arab Kahane movement and convicted multiple times on incitement and terrorism charges, is known for his extreme views and admiration for Baruch Goldstein.
With Netanyahu’s support, Ben-Gvir entered the Knesset in 2021 leading the far-right Jewish Power party. His controversial statements and actions have drawn attention from human rights groups and countries, including Israel’s ally and weapons supplier, the United States. Ben-Gvir’s call for killing Palestinian captives and his extreme views on Gaza have sparked outrage and condemnation, further fueling tensions in the region. Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, Ben-Gvir continues to hold his position as Israel’s national security minister and advocate for harsh measures against Palestinians.
