Ben Gvir Gaza remarks draw German, French condemnation

Remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir about killing people in Gaza drew condemnation from Germany and France on Wednesday.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Ben Gvir's remarks that Israel should kill 30 to 40 people every night in Gaza, government spokesman Sebastian Hille said.

“The chancellor strongly condemns the inhumane appeals made by Minister Ben Gvir, which violate international law,” Hille said. “They are unacceptable.”

Ben Gvir's comments, made in a podcast of a former Gaza hostage, triggered criticism in Germany, which AFP described as traditionally one of Israel's staunchest international allies.

German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said in a TV interview on Tuesday that Ben Gvir's comments “must have consequences” and that sanctions were being discussed at the European level.

France's foreign minister also condemned Ben Gvir's remarks, according to the published account of the same diplomatic reaction.

Germany also condemned Israeli plans for settlement expansion in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, saying they jeopardise the prospect of a two-state solution.

“Our message is clear: there must be no further steps toward annexation in the West Bank,” Hille said. He said formal, political, structural or other measures leading toward annexation run counter to a two-state solution.