Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, recently advocated for the targeted killing of '30 to 40' people in Gaza every night. Ben-Gvir made these remarks during a conversation with a former hostage, suggesting a specific nightly quota for military operations in the territory.
The comments come amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in extensive military actions across Gaza. Ben-Gvir, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, has frequently called for more aggressive military measures during his tenure.
The National Security Minister's proposal specifically targeted a nightly figure for casualties. No official response from the Prime Minister's office or the Israeli Defense Forces regarding this specific proposal was included in the report.
This shift in strategy would change the day-to-day reality for Gaza residents, who would face a specific, quantified threat to life every evening. It would also mark a change in military doctrine, moving from objective-based strikes to a numerical casualty requirement. Such a policy could also impact ongoing international negotiations and legal proceedings regarding the conduct of the war, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and aid agreements.
The knock-on effects could influence future policy within the Israeli cabinet and set a precedent for quantifying military outcomes by body counts. This development occurs as the region faces broader instability, including the Iran war and ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks in Egypt. Currently, there is no scheduled vote or official government deadline to adopt Ben-Gvir's suggestion, and it remains a proposal by a single cabinet member.