Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken action and suspended far-right Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu after he made a controversial suggestion about dealing with the threat from Hamas. Eliyahu proposed dropping an atomic bomb on Gaza as a possible solution, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. Notably, this statement was made in the context of a discussion about humanitarian aid.
Eliyahu’s remark, “We wouldn’t have given the Nazis humanitarian aid. There’s no such thing as innocents in Gaza,” drew significant criticism. Netanyahu strongly condemned the comment, stating that it lacked a basis in reality. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to international law and its determination to prevent unnecessary deaths.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Netanyahu stated, “Minister Amihai Eliyahu’s statements are not based in reality” before announcing Eliyahu’s suspension from cabinet meetings. He added, “Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are operating in accordance with the highest standards of international law to avoid harming innocents. We will continue to do so until our victory.”
The controversial remarks also faced broad condemnation from Israeli government officials across the political spectrum. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized Eliyahu’s words as baseless and irresponsible, emphasizing the importance of responsible individuals being in charge of the country’s security.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid further called on Netanyahu to remove Eliyahu from his position, describing the remarks as “shocking and crazy.” Lapid argued that the extremist position represented by Eliyahu posed a threat to Israeli society and its global reputation.
“A shocking and crazy statement by an irresponsible minister. He harmed the families of the abductees, harmed Israeli society, and harmed our international standing,” Lapid said in a statement on X. He concluded, “The presence of extremists in the government endangers us and the success of the war goals – defeating Hamas and the return of the kidnapped. Netanyahu must fire him this morning.”
These comments come at a time when Israel is facing growing resistance to its ongoing bombardment in Gaza. Despite calls for a cease-fire, Netanyahu has made it clear that the bombings will continue until the release of approximately 240 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.
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