Israeli security minister slams Bono for likening his Gaza rhetoric to Nazi Himmler
Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced U2 frontman Bono after the singer compared the minister’s Gaza statements to those of Nazi SS chief Heinrich Himmler.
Bono, speaking to Rolling Stone about his new song “The Tears of Things,” condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack but also likened National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Gaza rhetoric to the language of SS leader Heinrich Himmler, questioning the minister’s place in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Ben-Gvir replied that the comparison was outrageous, accusing Bono of siding with terror supporters and defending Jews, and urged critics to help Gaza residents emigrate to Ireland, a country critical of Israel’s war policies.
The exchange highlights Bono’s growing criticism of Israel’s leadership, following earlier alterations to U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” after the Oct 7 massacre. Ben-Gvir’s remarks underscore the tension between Israeli officials and international cultural figures over the conflict.
