Itamar Ben-Gvir, extreme right-wing Israeli national security minister, called for the detention of Lebanese civilians, including women and children – as a means of emphasis on Hezbollah.
The proposal was submitted at a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Ben-Gvir literally stated:
"Let's start thinking outside the box about Hezbollah. Taking over territory and killing terrorists is not enough. We have to hold them. women and children and put them in terrorist prisons. This will hurt them the most."
Controversies and reactions
Ben-Gvir's statement was widely received as call for collective punishment of civilianswhich is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Under the Geneva Conventions, civilians must not be detained to exert pressure on armed groups.
Ben-Gvir, known for his extremist views and connections with the Kach movement (recognized as terrorist), has served as the overseer of the Israeli prison system for years. She is one of the most controversial figures in Benjamin Netanjah's government.
Context of the conflict
The statement was made during Israel's ongoing escalation in Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire announced in April, Israel has recently conducted thousands of raids to the south of Lebanon. According to the Lebanese authorities, Israeli forces conducted nearly 3,500 raids from April 17 to June 7, including attacks on hospitals.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights announced the sending of an investigative mission to Lebanon to investigate possible violations of international law by all parties to the conflict.
International reactions
Ben-Gvir's proposal met with fierce criticism of human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who have been accusing for years Israel on the use of illegal practices against detainees, including the Act on 'illegal fighters', allowing the detention of persons without being charged.
For now, the Israeli government has not officially distanced itself from the words of its minister.
