In a startling turn of events, a remark by Israeli Heritage Minister Amihay Eliyahu has ignited a global debate on the country's nuclear capabilities. During a radio interview, Eliyahu, a member of a far-right party in the coalition government, responded to a hypothetical question regarding a nuclear option with the cryptic words, "That's one way."
The fallout from this statement has been swift and substantial. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly suspended Eliyahu from cabinet meetings "until further notice," signaling the gravity with which the Israeli government views the remark.
Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, expressed deep concerns over the implications of Eliyahu's statement. "This has raised a huge number of questions," she remarked, emphasizing that the most pressing issue appeared to be Israel's tacit acknowledgment of possessing nuclear weapons. Israel, which has never publicly confirmed its nuclear arsenal, is estimated by the Federation of American Scientists to possess around 90 nuclear warheads.
"Question number one - it turns out that we are hearing official statements about the presence of nuclear weapons?" Zakharova inquired, highlighting the urgent need for clarification and transparency. She further called into question the roles of the International Atomic Energy Agency and international nuclear inspectors in this context.
Eliyahu's remark has not only reverberated within Israel but has also garnered strong reactions from the Arab world, drawing condemnation. Mainstream Israeli broadcasters expressed shock and concern, while a U.S. official labeled the comment as "objectionable." Iran, in a swift response, called for immediate international action to address what it deemed a "barbaric and apartheid regime."
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian minced no words, urging the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency to take swift and resolute measures. "Tomorrow is late," he declared, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As the international community grapples with the fallout from Eliyahu's statement, the incident brings to the forefront critical questions surrounding nuclear ambiguity and non-proliferation efforts in the Middle East. The unfolding developments are sure to spark further diplomatic discussions and calls for transparency from Israel on its nuclear capabilities.
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