An Israeli minister has sparked international outrage after claiming that "God authorised" the destruction of Gaza and suggesting nuclear weapons could be "one of the possibilities" in the ongoing conflict.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, made the explosive comments during a radio interview on Sunday, sending shockwaves through diplomatic circles and prompting immediate condemnation.
Minister suspended after nuclear remarks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly suspended Eliyahu from cabinet meetings following the inflammatory statements, calling his words "disconnected from reality." The suspension came as the Israeli government attempts to maintain international support for its military campaign against Hamas.
When asked by Radio Kol Berama whether Israel should consider using nuclear weapons in Gaza, Eliyahu responded: "That's one way." He went even further, questioning whether Palestinian civilians should be allowed humanitarian aid, stating: "There is no such thing as uninvolved civilians in Gaza."
International condemnation grows
The Palestinian Authority condemned Eliyahu's remarks as "incitement to genocide" that reflects the "racist nature" of the Israeli government. Meanwhile, Hamas officials described the comments as evidence of "fascist tendencies" within Israeli leadership.
Eliyahu's statements have complicated Israel's diplomatic efforts, particularly as the United States and other Western allies have increasingly emphasised the need to protect civilian lives in Gaza. The White House had previously described some Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank as "terrorist attacks."
Netanyahu's balancing act
The prime minister faces mounting pressure from both international allies and his own coalition partners. While attempting to maintain Western support for military operations, Netanyahu must also manage far-right elements within his government who advocate for even more aggressive tactics.
Eliyahu's suspension represents the latest challenge to coalition unity, coming just days after another minister criticised Netanyahu for not consulting cabinet members about a "humanitarian pause" in fighting.
As the conflict enters its second month with mounting civilian casualties, such extreme statements from government officials threaten to further isolate Israel on the world stage and complicate already delicate ceasefire negotiations.
