Israeli Minister Suspended for Controversial Gaza Nuclear Remarks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suspended Heritage Minister Amihay Eliyahu, a junior member of his cabinet, after Eliyahu appeared to express openness to the idea of Israel carrying out a nuclear strike on Gaza. Eliyahu's remark drew condemnation from the Arab world and was deemed objectionable by a U.S. official. Netanyahu's office stated that Eliyahu had been suspended from cabinet meetings until further notice. However, neither Eliyahu nor his party leader have inside knowledge of Israel's nuclear capabilities or the authority to activate them. The crisis in Gaza has led to widening international concern over Israel's tactics, with over 9,500 Palestinians killed in the war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a troubleshooting visit to the Middle East in response to the situation.