An Israeli politician running for office in Netanyahu's coalition said on camera that Gaza should be destroyed entirely, including children — a sign of how far the rhetoric inside Israel's governing bloc has moved.

• A candidate aligned with Netanyahu's coalition said wiping out Gaza would be morally right, and pointed to the US atomic bombing of Nagasaki as the model.
• Asked directly about babies and children, he did not back away, saying only that his "soft heart" would let Palestinians leave instead — but none could stay.
• His reasoning was that any child born in Gaza will grow up to kill Israelis, so there is no other option.
• Even the interviewer appeared taken aback and pressed him to clarify, which he did without softening.

Outlook: Remarks like this will fuel more international pressure on Israel over Gaza and sharpen the fight over who sits in the next governing coalition.