By In a recent radio interview, a junior Israeli minister raised eyebrows with remarks that hinted at the possibility of Israel launching a nuclear strike on Gaza. These comments have not only triggered shock and concern within Israel but have also drawn international condemnation and calls for immediate action.
The controversy ignited when Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, a member of a far-right party within the coalition government, suggested that a nuclear option could be considered as a means to address the ongoing issues in Gaza.
Eliyahu’s statement implied not only that Israel possessed nuclear weapons, which the country has never officially admitted, but also that they might be willing to use them.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly reacted by suspending Eliyahu from the cabinet and government meetings, pending further investigation.
International concerns have now emerged, with Moscow expressing alarm over the situation. Maria Zakharova, Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, raised the central issue, stating that Israel’s acknowledgment of possessing nuclear weapons was a matter of great concern.
She questioned the need for the International Atomic Energy Agency and international nuclear inspectors to investigate this revelation.
The Federation of American Scientists’ assessment suggests that Israel currently holds an estimated inventory of roughly 90 nuclear warheads. This revelation has ignited a global debate about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
The United States has condemned Eliyahu’s remarks as “wholly unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for restraint and responsible rhetoric from all parties involved in the conflict. Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel urged all sides to avoid using inflammatory language.
The comments have not only caused a stir internationally but have also incited strong reactions from across the Arab world. Iran, in particular, called for an immediate international response to the situation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian took to social media to express his concerns, urging the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency to act promptly.
“The UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency must take immediate and uninterrupted action to disarm this barbaric and apartheid regime,” Amirabdollahian stated in a post on social media. He stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “Tomorrow is late.”
The controversy surrounding the Israeli minister’s remarks highlights the sensitivity of nuclear issues in the volatile Middle East. It has brought global attention to the question of nuclear weapons in the region and their potential use.
As calls for action and disarmament intensify, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions.
