‘An option’: Israeli minister on use of atomic bomb in Gaza; PM Netanyahu reacts

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Hindustan Times quoted him as saying. Also Read: Israel acknowledges ambulance attack in Gaza, sparks global protests amid ceasefire calls On being asked whether the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) would consider using the atomic weapon as – in his view – there were “no non-combatants" in the region, the minister replied that it was "one of the possibilities", reports said. A statement issued by Netanyahu's office disassociated the government from the minister's remarks.

“Minister Amihai Eliyahu's statements are not based in reality. Israel and the IDF are operating in accordance with the highest standards of international law to avoid harming innocents. We will continue to do so until our victory," it quoted Netanyahu as saying.

The prime minister's office, in another statement issued on November 5, said Eliyahu has been suspended from government meetings till further notice. Track live updates on the Israel-Hamas war The controversial minister is not part of the security cabinet, and was not involved in any manner in the wartime decision-making, Israeli media reports said. Notably, Eliyahu belongs to the political party of Itamar Ben Gvir, the far-right leader who had drawn global headlines earlier this year for leading incursions at the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem.

After his statements over the use of atomic bomb drew condemnation, Eliyahu said his remarks were “metaphorical". “It is clear to all sensible people that the statement about the atom is metaphorical. However, a strong and disproportionate response to terrorism is definitely required, which will clarify to the Nazis and their supporters that terrorism is not worthwhile.