JERUSALEM: Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has reportedly called for the abduction of Lebanese women and young people as a means to pressure Hezbollah, according to Arab media reports.

The statement was made during a recent Israeli security cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, the reports said.

Controversial Remarks During Security Meeting

During the meeting, Ben-Gvir reportedly urged officials to adopt what he described as a “new approach” toward Hezbollah.

“Let us think differently about Hezbollah. Along with occupying territory and eliminating large numbers of militants, we should detain their women and youth and transfer them to prisons—this is what hurts them the most,” he allegedly said.

His remarks have sparked controversy due to their severity and the implications regarding civilian populations.

Background of Detentions

According to the report, Israeli forces have already detained several Lebanese civilians since the 2024 conflict, although exact figures have not been officially disclosed.

These detainees are said to be part of a broader group of 1,316 individuals currently held under Israel’s “Unlawful Combatants Law.” This group reportedly includes Palestinians from Gaza as well as Syrian nationals.

Under this law, detainees can be held without formal charges or trial, based on security assessments.

Legal Framework and Criticism

The Unlawful Combatants Law, enacted in 2002, allows Israel to detain individuals deemed security threats outside its formal jurisdiction for extended periods without indictment.

Critics have long argued that the law enables indefinite detention without due process, raising concerns from human rights organizations regarding legal transparency and civil liberties.

Wider Regional Context

The report comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with periodic cross-border exchanges and heightened military alert along the Israel-Lebanon frontier.

Statements attributed to senior officials have frequently drawn international attention, particularly when they involve proposals affecting civilians or detainee policies.

No Official Response Yet

As of the latest reports, there has been no immediate official response from the Israeli government or Hezbollah regarding Ben-Gvir’s alleged remarks.

The situation continues to develop amid a highly volatile regional security environment, with diplomatic observers warning that such statements could further escalate tensions in the Middle East.