Itamar Ben-Gvir — Statements during the Gaza war
A chronological record of public statements by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir since October 2023. Every quote is sourced from a verified international news outlet, linked below each entry. Hover any entry to view it at full clarity.
“The only thing that should enter Gaza, as long as Hamas does not release the hostages, is not a gram of humanitarian aid, but hundreds of tons of explosives from the Air Force.”
Source: ANews — October 17, 2023
“When they say that Hamas needs to be eliminated, it also means those who sing, those who support, and those who distribute candy — all of these are terrorists.”
Source: Wikipedia — Itamar Ben-Gvir (multiple outlets, November 2023)
“Voluntary transfer of the residents of Gaza is the solution. This is the order of the hour. Hundreds of thousands will leave now if given the option. It is the right solution.”
Source: Haaretz — January 7, 2024
Asked the IDF Chief of Staff why so many Gaza gunmen were being arrested rather than killed: “Why are there so many arrests? Can’t you kill some? Do you want to tell me they all surrender? It’s dangerous for the soldiers.”
Source: Times of Israel — January 2024
“We cannot have women and children getting close to the border… anyone who gets near must get a bullet in the head.” — Said during a cabinet debate on the army’s rules of engagement in Gaza.
Called on IDF soldiers to kill, not arrest, Palestinians who surrender in Gaza. “Terrorists who raise their hands in surrender must also be killed.”
“Encourage emigration. Encourage the voluntary departure of Gaza’s residents… It is ethical! It is rational! It is right! We will wipe out the disgrace of 2005 with settlement in 2024–2025, God willing.”
Source: Times of Israel — May 14, 2024
“I will be very happy to live in Israeli-occupied Gaza after the war.”
Source: Al-Monitor — May 2024
“Palestinian prisoners should be shot in the head instead of being given more food.”
“I am working hard to promote the encouragement of migration from Gaza with the prime minister, and I am beginning to discover some openness on the matter.”
His party formally introduced a “Voluntary Migration” bill in the Knesset, calling for the state to fund and incentivise the mass departure of Gaza’s population. Ben-Gvir wrote: “One of our demands from the Prime Minister is to promote voluntary emigration — it is worth implementing it now.”
“We have received American backing to open the gates of hell on Gaza — we must stop procrastinating and go on the offensive. Occupy the entire territory of the Gaza Strip and encourage the migration of Gazans to countries around the world.”
Source: Times of Israel — May 12, 2025
“There is no real hunger in Gaza. If they were hungry, they would have returned the hostages home. I support starving Hamas in Gaza.”
Source: Anadolu Agency — July 25, 2025
“If the UN recognises a Palestinian state, targeted assassinations of senior Palestinian Authority officials — who are terrorists for all intents and purposes — should be ordered.”
Source: Al Jazeera — November 17, 2025
Shared a video of himself standing next to a gallows, publicly promoting the execution of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas described the footage as “public incitement to killing.”