On Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned that provocative remarks made by Israeli officials regarding the use of nuclear weapons in Gaza prompted questions regarding Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons. In a radio interview, far-right Heritage Minister Amihay Eliyahu responded to the question of launching possible nuclear strikes on Gaza as “one option” in the ongoing war. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Eliyahu’s statement as not “based in reality”, Russia’s Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova has claimed that these comments confirm Israel’s possession of and willingness to use nuclear arsenal. “Against the background of Israel’s historical policy of uncertainty regarding its possession of nuclear weapons, these statements not only confirm the presence of such weapons in this country but also demonstrate the readiness to seriously consider the possibility to use them in completely inappropriate scenarios,” Zakharova said on Thursday, according to Russian state-owned media network, Tass. Israel has maintained a policy of deliberate ambiguity surrounding its possession of nuclear weapons; however, the Federation of American Scientists estimates that Israel has about 90 nuclear warheads.

Eliyahu’s statements have been termed “objectionable” by U.S. officials and have been met with condemnation from China, Iran, and a multitude of Arab nations. Deputy State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel told a briefing, “We continue to believe that it is important for all sides of this conflict to refrain from hateful rhetoric.” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Platform X, “The U.N. Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency must take immediate and uninterrupted action to disarm this barbaric and apartheid regime. Tomorrow is late.” The League of Arab States released a statement: “The racist statements of Israeli Minister Eliyahu are revealing. Not only does he admit that they possess a nuclear weapon, but he also confirms the reality of the Israelis’ abhorrent racist view towards the Palestinian people.” As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, following Hamas’s October 7 attacks that claimed over 1200 lives, the death toll of Palestinian civilians in Gaza has risen to nearly 15,000. The retaliation of the Israel Defense Force has triggered accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Even a “metaphorical” reference to a nuclear option, as Eliyahu claims, has dangerous implications.

Some commentators seem surprised that Russia’s Foreign Ministry has chosen to speak out on this subject, given their country’s consistent use of nuclear deterrence strategies since they began their invasion of Ukraine last February. Recently, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin announced withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and confirmed the movement of nuclear weapons to Belarus. And Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has lauded Russia’s superior nuclear proficiency. However, they seem intent on highlighting the double standard of nuclear accountability implemented by the U.S. for its allies. Arkady Moshes, program director for the E.U. Eastern Neighborhood and Russia’s research program at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told Newsweek in an email, “Moscow may simply see an opportunity to blame Israel and the West, and some countries may find this criticism appropriate and even convincing.”

As the wars in Gaza and Ukraine continue with devastating civilian consequences, the threat of nuclear weapons is deeply concerning. They contribute to the continuation and escalation of violence, and must not be taken lightly. This will not lead to coexistence in the international arena. There must be a movement towards nonproliferation and disarmament of nuclear weapons; it is urgent and necessary to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace.