By Riffat Kausar
Scandinavian News Agency
Comments reportedly made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Gaza calling for “targeted killings” in Gaza have triggered sharp criticism from German officials, according to reports circulating this week.
Ben-Gvir is said to have suggested that dozens of Palestinians should be “removed” from Gaza nightly, remarks that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly described as “inhumane.”
The backlash marks a notable moment, given Germany’s historically consistent diplomatic support for Israel. According to reports, discussions have now begun at the European level about possible sanctions targeting Ben Gvir’s Gaza personally, though no formal EU decision has been announced.
The direct quotes below are drawn from secondary reporting provided to this newsroom and have not yet been independently verified against a primary transcript or official statement.
They should be confirmed with a named wire source before final publication.
What Ben-Gvir Reportedly Said About Gaza
According to accounts cited in recent reporting, Ben-Gvir’s Gaza called for a policy of “targeted killings” in Ben-Gvir’s Gaza, suggesting that 30 to 40 Palestinians be “removed” each night.
Reports indicate his remarks were not limited to militants posing an immediate threat. He is also said to have stated that some people in Gaza “don’t deserve to live.”
Ben-Gvir’s Gaza, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and has a long record of controversial statements, has not based on the information available to this newsroom issued a public clarification or response to the criticism at the time of writing.
Germany’s Response to the Ben-Gvir Gaza Remarks
Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the remarks as “inhumane,” according to reports. Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil reportedly went further, stating that Germany could not stay silent simply because it supports Israel more broadly.
Germany has, since the founding of the modern Israeli state, maintained one of Europe’s most consistent pro-Israel diplomatic postures, rooted partly in the country’s post-Holocaust foreign policy commitments.
Analysts note that a public rebuke of this kind from Berlin is uncommon and signals the depth of concern among German officials.
Key Facts
- Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Gaza is Israel’s National Security Minister and leader of the Otzma Yehudit party.
- He reportedly called for “targeted killings” in Gaza, including the nightly “removal” of 30–40 Palestinians.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly called the remarks “inhumane.”
- Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil reportedly said Germany cannot stay silent despite its support for Israel.
- Discussions on possible EU sanctions against Ben-Gvir are reportedly underway, with no formal decision confirmed.
FAQs:
Who is Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Gaza?
Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israel’s National Security Minister and head of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, known for hardline positions on security and settlement policy.
What did Ben-Gvir reportedly say about Gaza?
According to reports, he called for “targeted killings” in Gaza and suggested removing 30 to 40 Palestinians per night, with some remarks reportedly not limited to combatants.
How has Germany responded?
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly called the comments “inhumane,” and Deputy Chancellor Lars Klingbeil reportedly said Germany would not stay silent on the matter.
Are sanctions against Ben-Gvir’s Gaza confirmed?
No. Reports indicate that discussions about possible EU-level sanctions are taking place, but no formal decision has been confirmed as of this writing.
Possible EU Sanctions Under Discussion
Reports suggest that European officials are now weighing the possibility of sanctions against Ben-Gvir’s Gaza individually, rather than against Israel as a state.
No details on the scope, timeline, or legal basis of any potential measures have been confirmed.
This newsroom was unable to verify, through independently available sourcing, which EU bodies are involved in these discussions or how advanced they are.
Ben-Gvir Gaza remarks
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