Minister Amichai Eliyahu did not rule out the possibility of using a nuclear bomb on Gaza, even as 241 hostages remained in the strip. During an interview with the “Kol Barama” radio station on Sunday morning, Minister Eliyahu discussed this option. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly responded, describing the statements from the Otzma Yehudit minister as "disconnected from reality" and subsequently announced his suspension from government meetings until further notice.

Notably, Netanyahu's decision to suspend Minister Eliyahu was made without consultation or coordination with the chairman of his party, Itamar Ben Gvir, despite the absence of any government statutes allowing for such a suspension. Legally, Minister Eliyahu retains the right to attend and vote if he chooses.

🚨 NUKING GAZA AN OPTION | Controversial Statements by Israeli Heritage Minister

- During an interview with Kol Barama radio, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu was asked if using an atom bomb on all of Gaza should be considered. His response was, "This is one of the… pic.twitter.com/WlwfNat1Q0

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 5, 2023

In the interview, when asked about the possibility of using an "atomic bomb tomorrow morning" on Gaza, given his belief that there are no uninvolved individuals there, Minister Eliyahu responded, "That is one way. The other way is to consider what is vital to them, what will serve as the next deterrent for them."

Regarding the non-denial of the nuclear option and the presence of 241 abductees in Gaza, he stated, "They should plead for the return of the abductees. In times of war, sacrifices are made. Why should the lives of the abductees be considered more valuable than the lives of the soldiers? They do not fear death; it has no impact on them," Minister Eliyahu added. "We need to comprehend what undermines their resolve. We need a situation similar to post-Six Day War, where they are afraid to confront an Israeli soldier. Our faux morality erodes the IDF's deterrence."

Netanyahu reiterated that Minister Eliyahu's statements were "disconnected from reality. Israel and the IDF operate in accordance with the highest international law standards to minimize harm to non-combatants, and we will continue to do so until we achieve victory."

Following the controversy sparked by his statements, Minister Eliyahu tweeted, "It is evident to anyone with understanding that the reference to a nuclear bomb is metaphorical. Nevertheless, we undoubtedly require a strong and disproportionate response to terrorism, one that conveys to the terrorists and their supporters that terrorism does not pay. This is the only approach democratic nations can adopt in addressing terrorism. Concurrently, it is undeniable that the State of Israel is obligated to take every measure to safely return the abductees."

מגנה את דבריו חסרי הבסיס והאחריות של השר עמיחי אליהו.

טוב שלא אלו האנשים המופקדים על ביטחון ישראל.

— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) November 5, 2023

Ben Gvir, with whom Netanyahu did not consult before suspending the minister from their party, stated, "I spoke with Minister Amichai Eliyahu, who clarified that his words were metaphorical. It is clear to all of us that the Hamas organization must be dismantled and eliminated, and it is also our collective objective to ensure the safe return of the abductees."