U2's Bono Slams Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir, Compares Rhetoric to Himmler

Bono, the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2, has sharply criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine. The criticism stems from U2's new song, "The Tears of Things," which explores Jewish history and the situation in the Gaza Strip.

While Bono condemned Hamas's October 7th attack as an "unholy offense," he expressed deep shock at the rhetoric employed by some Israeli government officials. He specifically targeted Ben-Gvir's statements regarding Gazan residents, comparing them to the SS commander Heinrich Himmler. "Here's a guy, a minister in the government... and he's saying, 'There are people there who are not worthy of living. They don't deserve to live. They're not even people,'" Bono stated, adding that such views cast a shadow on Judaism itself.

Bono also questioned Netanyahu's motives for keeping Ben-Gvir in his government, suggesting it was to maintain his parliamentary majority. The musician urged the Israeli government to change its policies and pursue a just resolution, emphasizing that "Justice is at the heart of Judaism" and calling for a solution that addresses the Nakba through compromise.

Minister Ben-Gvir responded to Bono's remarks, dismissing them as hypocrisy and stating, "Bono did not compare Hamas murderers to Himmler, only those who protect Jews from the next massacre." He sarcastically suggested Bono help Gazans emigrate to Ireland, claiming they are begging to leave Gaza and would have a "wonderful future" there.

This is not the first time Bono has commented on the conflict. Previously, he called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and for Israel to "get free of Netanyahu." During a concert, he also described the actions of "the children of Abraham" against each other as "shocking."