REPORTER: Your statement about "40-50 killed in Gaza every day" created a huge uproar around the world. 🇮🇱BEN GVIR: Excellent. Excellent. I prefer that they cry..

Summary

In this interview, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responds to criticism over his controversial statement about 40-50 deaths per day in Gaza, which sparked significant international uproar. Ben Gvir expresses his preference for the world to react with tears rather than indifference, framing his stance as concern for Israeli mothers losing soldier sons. When questioned about responsible speech, he distinguishes between populism and principled leadership, arguing that holding government office requires strategic communication alongside moral conviction. He describes Israel's position as navigating disaster before the world, emphasising the need for wisdom rather than merely being 'right.' Ben Gvir contrasts his approach with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of U.S. relations, suggesting that with the United States, Israel should communicate directly and honestly, as Americans respect forthright engagement.

Key takeaways

• Ben Gvir stated his preference that the international reaction to Gaza deaths be tears of concern rather than indifference or support for Israel's enemies.
• He argued that holding a responsible government office requires strategic communication and navigating international pressure, not just populist campaigning or accumulating social media 'likes'.
• Ben Gvir distinguished between acting with justice and acting with wisdom, contending that Israel must be both principled and strategically intelligent in its international posture.
• He criticized the approach of evasion or 'maneuvering' in Israel's relationship with the United States, arguing instead for direct and honest communication.
• Ben Gvir expressed disagreement with Prime Minister Netanyahu on strategic communication and international relations, highlighting specific differences in their approach to U.S. engagement.