Ben-Gvir Vows to Burn Bodies of Sinwar and Hamas Terrorists if Defense Minister

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared on Tuesday that if appointed as the future Minister of Defense, he would pursue the cremation of the bodies of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and terrorists involved in the October 7th attacks. Speaking in an interview with Reshet Bet, Ben-Gvir framed this proposal not as an isolated act but as part of a broader conceptual shift he intends to implement within the defense establishment.

Ben-Gvir articulated that his approach would signify a departure from current policies regarding the handling of deceased terrorists, emphasizing a more aggressive stance. He stated that under his leadership, decisions would be made differently, and the policy towards those who participated in attacks against Israel would be altered. He aims to bring about a "different conceptual change" to the Ministry of Defense.

The minister specifically highlighted Sinwar as a symbol of the policy he wishes to change, intending to illustrate the contrast between existing practices and his proposed approach. While Ben-Gvir did not detail the practical implementation or necessary steps for such a policy, he focused on the principle of enacting a significant change in security doctrine.

Beyond the issue of bodies, Ben-Gvir presented himself as a leader aiming for a wider transformation of the security system, seeking to alter operational concepts and the nation's methods of confronting its enemies. He views the handling of October 7th terrorists' bodies as a concrete example of the more assertive policy he advocates, underscoring his desire for a fundamental shift rather than mere personnel changes or minor adjustments.

These statements are expected to fuel public discourse on the government's policy toward terrorists' bodies and the future identity of the Defense Minister. Ben-Gvir's remarks aim to provide the public with a tangible illustration of the "conceptual change" he champions and his potential priorities if given the responsibility of the defense portfolio.