U2 Singer Bono Compares Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir to Nazi Heinrich Himmler

Bono, the lead singer of the band U2, has sharply criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, comparing his statements about Gazan residents to the rhetoric of Heinrich Himmler, a key architect of the Nazi Holocaust. These remarks were made in an extensive interview with Rolling Stone magazine coinciding with the release of U2's new album, "Carnaval De Luz."

In the interview, Bono references a new song, "The Tears of Things," which he states attempts to understand a world where the moral strength of Judaism is more crucial than ever. He reiterated his condemnation of the October 7th Hamas massacre, calling it a "desecration." However, his most provocative comments targeted Ben-Gvir's statements regarding Gaza, where the minister allegedly claimed some residents do not deserve to live and are not human. Bono drew a parallel between this language and Himmler's.

The singer noted that many influential figures who shaped his consciousness were Jewish, and stated that Ben-Gvir is "casting a shadow over their faith." Bono also criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, questioning the logic of allowing a minister to hold office without arrest, especially when, according to Bono, the Prime Minister relies on him for coalition majority.

Bono further argued that Israel must "fix the situation" and rectify the Nakba through a settlement that some parties may not be ready for, in order to achieve justice, which he believes is central to Judaism. The Rolling Stone interview also touched upon the making of the new album, including a visit from former U.S. President Barack Obama, who offered a musical comment on a track.

Band members described a deliberate effort to record the album as if playing together in one room, contrasting with previous albums that featured numerous producers. The article also recalls a February album, "Songs of Experience," which included a song commemorating a Palestinian activist killed by a settler in the West Bank and featured a poem against war by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai. At that time, Bono had also criticized Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, asserting that all Jews were being wrongly blamed for the actions of these leaders.