US Congressman's controversial comments on Gaza: Nagasaki and Hiroshima comparison

• Published date: 02 April 2024
• Author: RON KAMPEAS/JTA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"As a child who grew ups in the Cold War era, the last thing I'd advocate for would be the use of nuclear weapons," Walberg, a Michigan Republican congressman, said in a statement published on Sunday. "I used a metaphor to convey the need for both Israel and Ukraine to win their wars as swiftly as possible, without putting American troops in harm's way."

A video of Walberg, 72, addressing a town hall in Dundee, Michigan on March 25 included an exchange with a constituent who was concerned that President Joe Biden's plan to build a pier on Gaza's shore to facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance would endanger the US troops who would build and secure the pier.

"We shouldn't be spending a dime on humanitarian aid," Walberg replied. "It should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Get it over quick."

The Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7 when Hamas invaded Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 more hostage. In the nearly six months since then, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, more than 32,000 people have been killed. Israel estimates that mare than a third have been Hamas combatants. More than 250 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the invasion.

Congressman's nuclear rhetoric and criticism: Gaza conflict debate

More than 100,000 people were killed in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the only times nuclear weapons have been used in war. Walberg's comment elicited criticism from both supporters and opponents of Israel.

Rep. Haley Stevens, a Michigan Democrat who is closely allied with the centrist pro-Israel community, said Walberg's comments...