Kathmandu— Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stated that Israeli forces should kill “30 or 40” Palestinians in Gaza nightly, exceeding targets limited to immediate threats. The comments, made during a podcast interview with former captive Rom Braslavski and widely circulated by Palestinian media, reveal a desire for escalated violence despite the current ceasefire and renewed support for the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of attacks on Israelis. Ben-Gvir sits on Israel’s security cabinet, influencing war and security policy, and controls Israel’s police and prison services.

Escalation of Force Advocated

Ben-Gvir told Braslavski he disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to scale back military strikes in Gaza under the current ceasefire. He argued for a return to targeted assassinations, extending beyond individuals deemed active threats at that moment. Ben-Gvir also asserted that some Palestinians are “not worthy of life” and “not even people,” calling for their targeted killings.

Support for Death Penalty and Personal Involvement

Ben-Gvir promised Braslavski he would attempt to allow him to personally carry out executions of Palestinian prisoners if Israel’s recently enacted death penalty law is applied. Braslavski, a former Israeli captive held in Gaza, explicitly requested the opportunity to execute those convicted of attacks on Israelis, stating his desire to use “my own hands.” Ben-Gvir responded by pledging to “turn the world upside down” to facilitate this request.

Calls for Palestinian Displacement and Settlement

During the discussion, Ben-Gvir reiterated his view that all of Gaza should be considered Israeli territory. He advocated for encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza permanently, alongside new Israeli settlement of the region – a policy international lawyers have warned could constitute ethnic cleansing.

History of Extremism and Limited Consequences

Ben-Gvir’s comments are consistent with his long history of extremist views, dating back to his teenage involvement in the outlawed Kahanist movement. As minister, he has championed the death penalty for Palestinians and reportedly worsened conditions in Israeli prisons holding Palestinian detainees. Despite international criticism and sanctions from the United Kingdom and some European Union states, these actions have not significantly impacted his position.

As of Sunday, Ben-Gvir remains a key member of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition government, continuing to shape Israel's security policies amid ongoing tensions in Gaza.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.