Nuclear weapons in Gaza
DUBAI/JERUSALEM: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the extremist statements made by an Israeli government minister regarding the possibility of using nuclear weapons in Gaza, which is currently under siege.
The Saudi foreign ministry expressed its deep concern, stating that such remarks reveal the presence of “extremism and cruelty among certain members of the Israeli government.”
The ministry also criticized the decision to suspend the minister from government meetings, emphasizing that merely freezing his membership falls short of upholding fundamental human standards and values.
Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu faced suspension from government meetings “until further notice” on Sunday after suggesting the use of a nuclear bomb on Gaza during an interview, according to an announcement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Eliyahu, known for his ultra-nationalist views and his role in Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, voiced dissatisfaction with Israel’s response to a deadly attack carried out by Hamas fighters in southern Israel on October 7. When asked by the interviewer whether he advocated the use of an “atomic bomb” on Gaza to eliminate everyone, Eliyahu responded by saying, “That’s one option.”
Netanyahu’s office swiftly disassociated itself from the minister’s remarks, describing them as “disconnected from reality” and affirming Israel’s efforts to avoid harm to non-combatants in Gaza.
Following the widespread criticism of his statements, Eliyahu later clarified in a post that his mention of an atomic bomb was metaphorical.
It’s important to note that Israel has never officially acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons.
Regarding the events of October 7, Israeli officials claim that the Hamas attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, with a majority being civilians. In contrast, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since October 7 has resulted in the deaths of 9,488 people, primarily women and children.
