Bono's Criticism of Israel Sparks Fiery Retort from Minister Ben-Gvir

U2 frontman Bono has again voiced his opinions on Israel and the war with Hamas, this time in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. While discussing the band's new album, "Carnaval De Luz," Bono condemned the October 7th Hamas attack as a "blasphemous crime" and stated, "I stood with Israel and continue to stand with Israel." However, he then expressed outrage over remarks made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding Gaza residents, comparing Ben-Gvir's rhetoric to that of Heinrich Himmler.

Bono specifically referenced statements suggesting certain individuals are "not worthy of life" and "not even human," though Rolling Stone did not confirm if these were direct quotes from Ben-Gvir. The musician, who identifies many Jewish people as influential figures in his life, criticized Ben-Gvir for allegedly discrediting their religion. Bono also suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is keeping Ben-Gvir in his government solely to maintain a parliamentary majority.

Furthermore, Bono called on Israel to "fix the situation" concerning the Nakba, advocating for a compromise that he acknowledged some Palestinians are unwilling to accept. He linked this to his understanding of Jewish ethics, while also conceding that the legal definition of genocide is a matter for international courts.

In response, Minister Ben-Gvir took to social media platform X, calling Bono a "supporter of terrorism" and accusing him of hypocrisy. Ben-Gvir stated that Bono wrongly compared those defending Jews from further attacks to Himmler, rather than the Hamas attackers. "The Jews are done apologizing for their right to live," Ben-Gvir declared, adding that Israel prefers for Jews to survive and withstand criticism over "sympathy for dead Jews."

Ben-Gvir then suggested Bono could help Gaza residents by facilitating their emigration to Ireland, claiming they "beg for emigration" and would find a "wonderful future" there. The exchange, which began with discussions of U2's new album, has escalated into a public dispute over Israel's actions and the right of Jews to self-defense.