Otzma Yehudit decided on Sunday to impose an interview curfew on party members, following a statement by Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, who said in an interview with ultra-Orthodox radio station Kol Rama that an atomic bomb on the Gaza Strip is one of Israel's options.
Earlier today, party chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir met privately with Amichai Eliyahu and spoke with him about the unusual statement.
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Netanyahu also spoke today with Ben-Gvir and updated him on his decision that Minister Eliyahu will be suspended from cabinet meetings, even though this is not an authoritative punishment that appears in the regulations. If Eliyahu wants, he can continue to come and vote, but intends to honor the sanction imposed on him by the prime minister.
The unusual statement by the heritage minister drew wall-to-wall condemnation. Defense Minister Yoav Galant wrote: "I condemn the baseless and irresponsible remarks of Minister Amichai Eliyahu. It's a good thing these aren't the people in charge of Israel's security."
"A wanton statement." Chairman of the state camp Benny Gantz, photo: None
Minister Benny Gantz, chairman of the state camp, also responded: "Minister Eliyahu's wanton, unnecessary and irresponsible statement harms Israel's path and values, causes serious political damage, and worst of all, it adds to the pain of the families of the abductees at home. A stone thrown by a fool into a well, even a thousand wise men will not be able to take out."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote in response: "A shocking and crazy statement by an irresponsible minister. It harmed the families of the abductees, harmed Israeli society and harmed our international standing. The presence of extremists in the government endangers us and the success of the war's goals – the victory of Hamas and the return of the hostages. Netanyahu must fire him this morning."
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