Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu was interviewed on the ultra-Orthodox radio station Kol Barama on Sunday and said that "the Nazis would not bring humanitarian aid, there is no such thing as uninvolved people in Gaza," in response to which he was asked: "So what? Should we drop an atomic bomb on all of Gaza?" to which Eliyahu replied: "That's one of the possibilities." The interviewer added: "But there are more than 240 Israeli abductees in Gaza?"
Tempers were high in the political system, with Knesset members and public figures from various parties calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fire the heritage minister. Netanyahu decided only to suspend the minister and not fire him, saying in response to his remarks that "Minister Amichai Eliyahu's words are detached from reality. Israel and the IDF operate according to the highest standards of international law in order to prevent harm to non-involved civilians, and we will continue to do so until victory."
Documentation of IDF forces' activity in the Gaza Strip // Credit: IDF Spokesperson
Defense Minister Yoav Galant also responded to the Heritage Minister's remarks, writing: "I condemn Minister Amichai Eliyahu's baseless and irresponsible remarks. It's a good thing these aren't the people in charge of Israel's security."
Condemns the baseless and irresponsible remarks of Minister Amichai Eliyahu.
It's a good thing that these are not the people in charge of Israel's security.
— Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) November 5, 2023
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."
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu responded to the storm, writing: "It is clear to any reasonable person that the statement about an atom is metaphorical. But we certainly need a powerful and disproportionate response to terrorism that makes it clear to the Nazis and their supporters that terrorism is not worthwhile. This is the only formula that democratic countries can use to deal with terrorism. At the same time, it is clear that the State of Israel is committed to doing everything possible to return the abductees safe and sound."
It is clear to any reasonable person that the statement about an atom is metaphorical. But we certainly need a powerful and disproportionate response to terrorism that makes it clear to the Nazis and their supporters that terrorism is not worthwhile. This is the only formula that democratic countries can use to deal with terrorism. At the same time, it is clear that the State of Israel is obligated to do everything possible to return the abductees...
— 🇮🇱Amichay Eliyahu (@Eliyahu_a) November 5, 2023
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