Israeli Prime Minister Suspends Far-Right Minister Over Controversial Comments on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending far-right Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu. This move comes after Eliyahu suggested the possibility of using a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing conflict. In an interview, when asked if he was implying a nuclear strike on Gaza, Eliyahu responded, "That's one way."

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending far-right Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu. This move comes after Eliyahu suggested the possibility of using a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing conflict. In an interview, when asked if he was implying a nuclear strike on Gaza, Eliyahu responded, "That's one way."

Eliyahu also expressed opposition to sending humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing a belief that it should not be provided to what he referred to as "Nazis." He further asserted that there are no "uninvolved citizens" in the territory, suggesting that all residents have a role in the conflict.

The Heritage Minister went on to advocate for reclaiming the northern part of the Strip and reinstating Israeli settlements in the area. These statements drew criticism from various officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, who described them as "detached from reality." However, Eliyahu later clarified that he intended his remarks to be taken metaphorically.

Former Israeli Prime Minister and opposition leader Yair Lapid strongly condemned Eliyahu's comments, labeling them as "horrifying and insane." He called for Eliyahu's immediate dismissal and urged Netanyahu to take swift action.

Following widespread backlash, Netanyahu proceeded to indefinitely suspend Eliyahu, emphasizing that Israel and the IDF operate within the bounds of international law to prevent harm to non-combatants. However, some government ministers raised objections to the suspension, deeming it "meaningless." Reports suggest Netanyahu initially intended to terminate Eliyahu but faced opposition from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

The Palestinian Authority and the Saudi foreign ministry also denounced Eliyahu's statements, characterizing him as "fascist" and condemning the extremist nature of his suggestion. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry emphasized the gravity of Eliyahu's remarks, asserting they acknowledge the harsh realities faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza.

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As the Israel-Hamas conflict persists, the Gaza Strip remains divided, and communication with the region has been disrupted for the third time. Israeli forces are poised to enter Gaza City within the next 48 hours, according to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, underscoring the need for a comprehensive political solution.

Blinken's efforts to increase aid to Gaza were deemed insufficient, with only around 100 truckloads provided daily. Netanyahu rejected the idea of a ceasefire until all hostages held by Hamas are released, a stance that contrasts with the desire for an immediate cessation expressed by Arab countries and Blinken's caution against a premature ceasefire.