Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended far-right Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu on Sunday after he suggested dropping an atomic bomb on Gaza was a possible way to deal with the threat from Hamas.
During a radio interview on Sunday, when asked about potential actions regarding Gaza, Eliyahu suggested that using an atomic bomb could be considered as an option. The Jerusalem Post reported this statement, highlighting that it was made within a broader conversation concerning humanitarian aid.
“We wouldn’t have given the Nazis humanitarian aid,” he stated, as reported. “There’s no such thing as innocents in Gaza.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly criticized these comments, asserting that they lacked a basis in reality. He underscored Israel’s commitment to upholding international law and minimizing unnecessary casualties.
“Minister Amihai Eliyahu’s statements are not grounded in reality,” Netanyahu posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, before suspending Eliyahu from participating in cabinet meetings. “Israel and the Israel Defense Forces are operating in strict accordance with the highest international law standards to prevent harm to civilians. We will persist in doing so until we achieve victory,” Netanyahu added.
Eliyahu’s remarks faced widespread condemnation from Israeli government officials, including members of the right-wing governing coalition and the opposition. Israeli Prime Minister
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant denounced Eliyahu’s baseless and irresponsible words, stating, “It’s fortunate that such individuals are not responsible for Israel’s security.”
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, in a statement on X, has strongly urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to dismiss Minister Eliyahu. Lapid characterized Eliyahu’s remarks as “shocking and crazy,” emphasizing that his extremist stance poses a danger to Israeli society and its global perception.
Lapid stated, “A shocking and crazy statement by an irresponsible minister. He harmed the families of the abductees, harmed Israeli society, and harmed our international standing. The presence of extremists in the government endangers our success in achieving the war goals of defeating Hamas and securing the return of the kidnapped. Netanyahu must take action and remove him immediately.”