References to calls for genocide/ethnic cleansing made by Israeli leadership.
Overview
Accusations of genocidal or ethnic cleansing rhetoric by Israeli leaders (e.g., the Prime Minister, ministers, and Knesset members) have been central to international legal cases, such as South Africa's ICJ complaint and a September 2025 UN Commission of Inquiry report. These claims focus on statements implying mass expulsion, destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza, or dehumanization that could meet the legal threshold for incitement under the Genocide Convention.
Databases from NGOs like Law for Palestine (500+ total instances as of February 2024, including ~100 from officials) and Al-Haq (over 1,000 as of April 2025) compile such rhetoric, with a subset attributed to leaders.
A precise count is challenging due to ongoing updates and interpretive debates, but verified statements from high-ranking officials number at least 50–100 since October 7, 2023, based on cross-referenced reports.
Many are from far-right ministers like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, who advocate "voluntary migration" or resettlement, often criticized as euphemisms for ethnic cleansing.
Israeli officials and defenders reject these interpretations, arguing statements target Hamas militants, not civilians, and that accusations are biased or antisemitic. For instance, Israel called the UN report "fake" and biased, emphasizing the war's defensive nature against Hamas's October 7 attack.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) outlines reasons why Gaza events do not constitute genocide, including lack of intent to destroy Palestinians as a group and Israel's efforts to minimize civilian harm.
Estimated Count and Key Examples
Based on NGO databases, UN findings, and media analyses, here are documented instances from Israeli leaders. The total for cabinet-level figures is approximately 60–80 distinct statements (e.g., Law for Palestine identifies ~50 from ministers/Knesset by early 2024, with more in 2025 updates).
Below are 12 prominent examples, grouped by theme:
Dehumanization and Calls for Destruction (Implying Genocide)
Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister), November 2023: Compared Gaza operations to a "holy war of total annihilation" in a letter to soldiers, invoking biblical destruction of Amalek (seen as genocidal intent by UN). 0b8858
Yoav Gallant (Defense Minister), October 9, 2023: "We are fighting human animals and will act accordingly," announcing a total siege on Gaza (cut off food, fuel, water). 1ce2ea
Amichay Eliyahu (Heritage Minister), July 24, 2025: Stated Israel is "pushing to wipe out" Gaza and make it Jewish through settlements, denying starvation claims. 8d7527
Moshe Feiglin (Former Minister), October 17, 2023: "Gaza should be razed and Israel’s rule should be restored... This is our country." ad37fe
Calls for Mass Expulsion/Displacement (Ethnic Cleansing)
Bezalel Smotrich (Finance Minister), November 14, 2023: Called for "voluntary emigration" of Gazans as the "right humanitarian solution" (critics labeled it ethnic cleansing). a2283f
Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security Minister), November 11, 2023: "We’re doing a Gazan Nakba 2023" (referencing the 1948 mass displacement of Palestinians). ba9ec6
Avi Dichter (Agriculture Minister), November 11, 2023: Described white-flag surrenders as "Gaza's Nakba 2023," implying permanent displacement. f8aa40
Gila Gamliel (Intelligence Minister), November 11, 2023: Advocated relocating all 2 million Gazans abroad, with international funding for "new lives in host countries." 8e735b
Ayelet Shaked (Former Interior Minister), November 22, 2023: "We need all 2 million to leave... That's the solution for Gaza" after "turning Khan Younis into a soccer field." fefc0a
Bezalel Smotrich (Finance Minister), January 26, 2024: Invited world leaders to "open doors and assist in reception and rehabilitation" of Gazans elsewhere. d2ee26
Advocacy for Resettlement/Occupation (Implying Expulsion)
Itamar Ben-Gvir (National Security Minister), February 25, 2025: Urged "encouraging voluntary immigration" and full Israeli rule in Gaza, including resuming Gush Katif settlements. 438e5a
Orit Strook (Settlements Minister), February 19, 2024: Denied Palestinian existence ("no such thing as a Palestinian people") and rejected any Palestinian state. d8dadf
Context and Counterarguments
These statements surged post-October 7, often at far-right conferences or in media, amid Israel's military campaign in Gaza (over 43,000 Palestinian deaths reported by Gaza Health Ministry as of September 2025).
Critics, including Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem, argue they demonstrate intent for crimes against humanity like forced displacement. However, Israeli spokespeople counter that rhetoric targets Hamas, not civilians, and point to aid facilitation and evacuation warnings as evidence against genocidal intent.
Netanyahu's office has dismissed ICJ/UN probes as "absurd," while allies like the U.S. have condemned specific calls (e.g., Smotrich/Ben-Gvir in January 2024) as "irresponsible" but rejected broader genocide labels. A May 2025 Haaretz report noted over 80 official statements reviewed by Israel, with no probes launched despite international pressure.