U2 Singer Bono Compares Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir to Nazi; Minister Responds

Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, has sharply criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Bono accused Ben-Gvir of using rhetoric about Gazan residents that mirrors that of Nazi war criminal Heinrich Himmler, claiming Ben-Gvir stated that "they are not even human beings." Bono also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for keeping Ben-Gvir in his government to maintain his coalition majority, stating that Ben-Gvir "casts a shadow over the religion of the Jews."

Despite his strong criticism, Bono affirmed his continued support for Israel and reiterated his condemnation of the October 7th Hamas attack as a "heinous act and desecration." He also expressed support for the Palestinians' right to a state. These remarks were made in conjunction with the release of his new song, which explores Jewish history and the current war, urging Israel to act according to Jewish justice values and seek a compromise to rectify past wrongs.

Minister Ben-Gvir responded forcefully to Bono's comments via Twitter. He accused "supporters of terrorism" of hypocrisy, noting that Bono did not compare Hamas murderers to Himmler, only the person defending Jews from the next massacre. Ben-Gvir declared, "Jews have finished apologizing for their right to live. We give up on your sympathy for dead Jews, we prefer to stay alive with your criticism." He suggested Bono help Gazans emigrate to Ireland, claiming they "beg to immigrate from Gaza."

Ben-Gvir further stated that he is finished conducting Israel's security based on the applause of "hypocritical supporters of terrorism" and is only interested in saving Jewish lives. He announced his intention to become Israel's Defense Minister in the next government, vowing to fight terrorism mercilessly, encourage immigration from Gaza, and act decisively for the security of Israeli citizens, asserting that Israel will not apologize for its right to defend its citizens' lives.