U2 frontman Bono and Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir are locked in a public dispute after the musician compared the politician to Heinrich Himmler during a wide-ranging interview published in Rolling Stone. The exchange follows previous travel restrictions imposed on Ben-Gvir by Ireland and France earlier this year.
Bono Compares Israeli Minister to Nazi Architect in Rolling Stone Interview
In an interview previewing U2’s upcoming album, Bono discussed the band’s new single, “The Tears of Things,” describing it as an attempt to grasp what’s going on in a world where we never needed the moral force of Judaism more than now. During the conversation, the singer condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks as an “unholy offence” while simultaneously criticizing remarks made by Ben-Gvir.
Bono drew a direct parallel between Ben-Gvir and Himmler, the leader of the SS and architect of the “final solution” to eliminate Jewish people from Europe. The U2 frontman specifically pointed to comments where Ben-Gvir says that certain people “are not worthy of life” and “shouldn’t live.”
“Here’s a guy, a minister in the government, and he’s not being locked up,” Bono told Rolling Stone. He added that many individuals who shaped his consciousness and musical appreciation are Jewish, calling it “outrageous” that a government minister’s rhetoric would put that religion “in the shade.” Last August, Bono publicly condemned the Hamas attacks while affirming his belief in Israel’s right to exist and supporting a two-state solution.
Itamar Ben-Gvir Fires Back on Social Media
Ben-Gvir responded sharply to the comparison on X, writing that “there is no limit to the hypocrisy of the world’s supporters of terrorism.” The Israeli minister stated that he is “done shaping Israel’s security policy to win the approval of hypocritical supporters of terrorism.”
“Bono did not compare the Hamas murderers to Himmler – only those who defend the Jews from the next massacre,” Ben-Gvir wrote. “The Jews are done apologizing for their right to live. We can do without your sympathy for dead Jews; we prefer to remain alive and face your criticism.”
Ben-Gvir also suggested in his post that if Bono cares about the residents of Gaza, he should “help them leave for Ireland,” claiming they are “begging to emigrate.” He emphasized that his primary concern is saving Jewish lives and that Israel will not apologize for defending its citizens.
Prior Travel Bans Issued by Ireland and France
The clash between the musician and the Israeli minister occurs against a backdrop of existing diplomatic friction involving European nations and Ben-Gvir. In June, the Taoiseach banned Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering Ireland.
The Irish travel restriction followed the circulation of a video showing Ben-Gvir mocking bound and detained activists on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces. France also announced an entry ban against the Israeli national security minister.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bono and Ben-Gvir Dispute
Why did Bono compare Itamar Ben-Gvir to Heinrich Himmler?
During a Rolling Stone interview discussing U2’s new single “The Tears of Things,” Bono criticized remarks attributed to Ben-Gvir regarding individuals he claimed were not worthy of life, likening the sentiment to the rhetoric of Nazi SS leader Heinrich Himmler.
How did Itamar Ben-Gvir respond to Bono’s comments?
Ben-Gvir posted on X accusing Bono of hypocrisy, stating that the Jewish people are finished apologizing for their right to live and suggesting that critics who care about Gaza should help residents emigrate to Ireland.
What previous actions have Ireland and France taken regarding Ben-Gvir?
In June, Ireland’s government barred Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country after video footage showed Ben-Gvir mocking detained activists from a Gaza aid flotilla. France also instituted an entry ban against Ben-Gvir.
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