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

U2 frontman Bono has sharply criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, comparing the minister's rhetoric regarding Gazan residents to that of Nazi official Heinrich Himmler. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bono expressed his views on Ben-Gvir's continued presence in the government, suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs him to maintain his coalition majority. The discussion arose in the context of Bono's new song, "The Tears of Things," which explores the history of the Jewish people and the events leading to the war in Gaza. Bono stated the song is an attempt to understand a world in dire need of Jewish moral strength. He reiterated his condemnation of the October 7th Hamas attack as a "criminal act and desecration." Bono then quoted Ben-Gvir as saying, "There are people there who are not worthy of living. They should not live. They are not even human." Bono, who identifies as a supporter of both Israel and the Palestinian people and advocates for a two-state solution, questioned why a minister making such statements is not imprisoned, especially when Netanyahu relies on him for political support. He lamented that Ben-Gvir "casts a shadow on Judaism," given Bono's deep respect for Jewish individuals who have influenced his life and art. The musician urged Israel to "correct the situation" and address the injustices of the Nakba through compromise, emphasizing that "justice is at the heart of Judaism." Bono described the silence in "The Tears of Things" as "boiling rage." This is not Bono's first public statement on the conflict; shortly after the October 7th attacks, he dedicated U2's song "Pride (In the Name of Love)" to Israelis killed at the Nova music festival, calling them "our brothers and sisters."