Minister Eliyahu Declines Drafting 'Kaplan Demonstrators' Into IDF

Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu stated on Tuesday, September 15, that he does not wish to see individuals participating in the "Kaplan Street demonstrations" drafted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Eliyahu, a member of the Otzma Yehudit party, expressed concern that such recruits might not be reliable in combat situations. He made these remarks during an election discussion held at a Tel Aviv school, adding that he aims to reform the education system to foster greater dedication.

This statement follows a pattern of controversial remarks from Eliyahu, who is ranked fourth on his party's list. Previously, he suggested that hostage rescue demonstrations were "motivating Hamas" and proposed delaying the release of hostages until a complete victory in Gaza. Most notably, in an interview on November 5, 2023, less than a month into the war, Eliyahu responded to a question about dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza by saying, "It is one of the options." This comment drew widespread international and domestic criticism.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a clarification stating such an action was impossible, as Israel adheres to "the highest standards of international law." Netanyahu subsequently penalized Eliyahu by temporarily barring him from government meetings while retaining his salary and benefits. Eliyahu, a Jerusalem native and former paratrooper, has been a Knesset member since November 2022 and became a minister in late 2022. He has previously called for strong measures against "left-wing extremists" interfering with IDF operations in Arab-populated areas.