Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli minister’s remarks on attacking Gaza with nuclear bomb

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned “in the strongest terms” statements issued by an Israeli minister regarding dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip.

Such statements show the penetration of “extremism and brutality” among members of the Israeli government, the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Failing to immediately dismiss the minister from the government and simply freezing his membership reflects the height of disdain for all human, moral, religious and legal standards and values of the Israeli government,” it said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the minister concerned - Heritage Minister Amihay Eliyahu from a far-right party in the coalition government - had been suspended from cabinet meetings “until further notice.”

Asked in a radio interview about a hypothetical nuclear option, Eliyahu replied: “That’s one way.” His remark made headlines in Arab media and scandalized mainstream Israeli broadcasters.

“Eliyahu’s statements are not based in reality. Israel and the IDF (military) are operating in accordance with the highest standards of international law to avoid harming innocents. We will continue to do so until our victory,” Netanyahu’s office said.

Some 9,500 Palestinians have been killed in the war, stirring widening international concern at Israel’s tactics.

In a social media post, Eliyahu said: “It is clear to anyone who is sensible that the nuclear remark was metaphorical.”

But he added: “A strong and disproportionate response to terrorism is definitely required, which will clarify to the Nazis and their supporters that terrorism is not worthwhile.”

With Reuters