Israeli opposition leader Lapid describes encounter with young Israelis endorsing mass killing in Gaza

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said he recently spoke with a group of young Israelis who argued that there were no innocent people in Gaza and that even infants should be considered future "terrorists," according to remarks reported by Anadolu Agency.

Lapid, who leads the Yesh Atid party and has previously served as Israel's prime minister, described the exchange as reflecting a troubling shift in attitudes among some young Israelis toward the ongoing war in Gaza.

Lapid's account

According to the report, Lapid said the group told him they supported the idea of killing "everyone" in Gaza, asserting that no one there, including children, could be considered innocent, since in their view even babies would grow up to become militants.

Lapid reportedly characterized the views as alarming and indicative of a broader hardening of attitudes within parts of Israeli society amid the prolonged conflict, though the specific context of the encounter, including when and where it occurred, was not detailed in the available account.

Context

The remarks come against the backdrop of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn international scrutiny over its scale and civilian casualties. Public and political debate within Israel over the conduct and goals of the war has continued throughout the conflict, with figures across the political spectrum offering differing assessments of its justification and execution.

Anadolu Agency's report did not include a response from the young Israelis referenced by Lapid, nor further details identifying the group.