Israel’s Heritage Minister, Amichai Eliyahu, suggested the use of a nuclear bomb on Gaza during a radio interview, leading to his immediate suspension from part of his role.
Eliyahu, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party that forms a part of Netanyahu’s coalition government, also stated, “There are no non-combatants in Gaza,” reported Business Insider.
Eliyahu’s comments were quickly criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that the nuclear weapon comment was “not based in reality.”
Netanyahu’s office further commented that Israel’s military is operating in “accordance with the highest standards of international law to avoid harming innocents” — a statement disputed by observers and advocates in Gaza.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, also voiced disapproval of Eliyahu’s remarks, emphasizing that Eliyahu was not directly involved in carrying out the war.
“It’s a good thing that people like this are not in charge of Israel’s security,” Gallant added.
While Eliyahu was suspended from Cabinet meetings, the Associated Press noted that the move had “no practical effect.” Eliyahu later attempted to retract his comments, stating that they were metaphorical and that a powerful and disproportionate response to terrorism was necessary.
This controversial incident follows the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which prompted a series of Israeli air strikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, resulting in a reported 9,000 deaths, many of them children.
Photo by Ververidis Vasilis on Shutterstock
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