Recent remarks by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir about Gaza have triggered renewed international criticism, including unusually sharp condemnation from Germany’s top leadership. Ben-Gvir has called for the targeted killing of 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night and made dehumanizing comments about Palestinians. Berlin has responded by denouncing the remarks and calling for serious consideration of European Union sanctions against him.
Ben-Gvir made the comments on a podcast hosted by former Hamas hostage Rom Braslavski. He argued for a broader campaign of targeted killings in Gaza rather than limiting operations to people considered immediate threats, saying that 30 to 40 people should be killed every night. During the discussion, he also reiterated his support for re-establishing Israeli settlements in Gaza.
German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described Ben-Gvir’s remarks as “contemptuous of humanity” and said they should have consequences. He stressed that Germany remains in solidarity with the State of Israel, but not with ministers who make such statements. Klingbeil also called for serious consideration of EU-level sanctions against Ben-Gvir.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz subsequently joined the criticism, describing Ben-Gvir’s comments as inhumane, incompatible with international law and unacceptable, according to the German government. The remarks underscore a growing willingness in Berlin to publicly challenge elements of Israel’s far-right government despite Germany’s historically close relationship with Israel.
Germany’s position carries particular weight because its relationship with Israel has long been shaped by the historical legacy of the Holocaust and the Second World War. Berlin has consequently placed strong emphasis on Israel’s security. Yet criticism within Europe over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and statements by far-right Israeli ministers has been intensifying. France has also condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks as unacceptable and inhumane and reiterated its position on sanctions against him.
At the same time, developments on the ground have highlighted a striking contrast with the diplomatic push. U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 17 as Washington sought to advance Trump’s Gaza plan. Kushner had also held discussions with Hamas representatives in Egypt. The U.S. effort is aimed at overcoming deadlock over a ceasefire and the post-war political framework for Gaza, but major differences remain over disarmament, an Israeli military withdrawal and Gaza’s future governance.
The following day, August 18, an Israeli strike on a café in Gaza City’s port area killed at least six Palestinians and wounded others, according to Gaza health authorities. Local officials said a child was among those killed. The Israeli military said the strike targeted several Hamas commanders.
The timing has added to questions over the effectiveness of the U.S. diplomatic effort. While Washington is seeking to reduce the intensity of the fighting and advance a political plan, continued strikes threaten to undermine those efforts. The Associated Press reported that at least 17 people were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza during the two days following Kushner’s visit.
The central dispute between Israel and Hamas remains the question of Hamas’s disarmament and an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu has insisted on the complete disarmament of Hamas, while Hamas has maintained that disarmament can only be discussed in the context of an Israeli withdrawal and a political settlement. The disagreement remains a major obstacle to Washington’s peace initiative.
Against this backdrop, Ben-Gvir’s remarks are being viewed not simply as an individual minister’s controversial comments but also as evidence of the political divisions within Israel’s governing coalition over Gaza. Washington is pushing for a reduction in hostilities and a political settlement, while the government’s far-right wing continues to advocate tougher military measures, Israeli settlement expansion and hard-line policies concerning Gaza’s population.
The key question now is whether Germany’s and other European governments’ public condemnation will translate into concrete policy. If European sanctions against Ben-Gvir are implemented, they could mark a significant escalation in Western pressure on far-right members of Israel’s government. At the same time, Germany and other European states will face the difficult task of balancing their historical, strategic and security ties with Israel against growing concern over Gaza.
On the ground in Gaza, however, strikes continue alongside diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire. That leaves a broader question for the international community: will condemnation remain confined to diplomatic statements, or will it translate into effective political pressure and concrete measures aimed at protecting civilian lives?
