Amichai Eliyahu declares government will wipe out Gaza
- Israel's Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu made a controversial statement about military actions in Gaza, indicating a goal to eradicate what he calls 'evil'.
- Eliyahu dismissed international concerns over famine in Gaza, claiming there are sufficient aid resources and Israel is not responsible for feeding the population.
- These comments reflect a broader discussion among Israeli officials about applying military control over Gaza following current hostilities.
In a radio interview on Kol Berama, Israel's Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu made a controversial statement regarding military actions in the Gaza Strip. Eliyahu insisted that the Israeli government is not driven by racism but rather by a necessity to protect Israeli lives. He emphasized that the military operations are concentrated on those deemed threats, which aligns with the government's objective to eradicate what he called 'evil' from Gaza. Eliyahu's comments come at a time of heightened global concern over humanitarian crises in the region, as reports indicate severe hunger and famine affecting many residents of Gaza. Despite international pressure, Eliyahu dismissed concerns about famine as part of a broader campaign against Israel, stating that there are sufficient aid resources and it is not Israel's responsibility to provide food to Gaza. He controversially compared the situation to World War II, asserting that just as the British did not feed Nazis, Israel should not feel obligated to feed Gaza’s population, as self-defense is paramount. These remarks follow ongoing discussions among various Israeli ministers advocating for the country's greater military control over Gaza post-war. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly called for taking decisive action against Hamas and dismantling its authority. He believes that Israel is on the brink of victory and urges the government to push forward rather than negotiate deals that may compromise Israel's strategic advantages. The ongoing conflict and these statements mark a significant moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations as tensions continue to escalate.