Israel’s Latest Drama: Minister Calls for Expelling Gazans and Turning Gaza into a Jewish Territory
While the international community warns of a growing famine situation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Heritage Minister Amihai Ben-Eliyahu sparked outrage by declaring that Israel should not provide food aid to Gaza and that his intention is for “all of Gaza to be Jewish.” In a radio interview, the minister – known for his ultra-nationalist views – went even further: “Thank God, we are eradicating this evil. We are expelling an educated population with ‘Mein Kampf’ [Adolf Hitler’s book],” he stated. According to Eliyahu, Israel has no obligation to feed those it considers its enemies: “Neither the British fed the Nazis, nor the Americans the Japanese, nor the Russians the Ukrainians,” he concluded.
### Government Silent, Opposition Responds
The statements have stirred controversy in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office avoided commenting on whether these words reflect the official position of the government. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli military official – speaking on condition of anonymity – clarified that the minister’s remarks do not represent the country’s military policy. Despite Ben-Eliyahu’s role in managing historical and archaeological sites, he has no authority over the military or participation in security cabinet meetings. Nevertheless, his message has had significant media and political repercussions. From the opposition, condemnation was swift. Centrist leader Yair Lapid described the comments as “a moral stain and a diplomatic disaster.” He emphasized that Israeli soldiers “do not fight to annihilate civilians” but to protect national security and rescue hostages held by Hamas.
### Gaza, Caught Between Hunger and Crossfire
From March to late May, Gaza has been gripped by escalating violence. Although it currently allows humanitarian aid to enter, it has drastically restricted distribution points, making access to basic supplies extremely difficult. Reports from the ground reveal that Palestinian civilians face gunfire on routes to aid points, with dozens of documented deaths. In refugee camps like Al-Shati, images of mothers cradling malnourished children illustrate the severity of the situation. Initially denying a food crisis, Eliyahu seemed to acknowledge it later, blaming Hamas directly: “Are we starving them? They are starving themselves!” he stated in the interview.
