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Netanyahu faces rebuke from France and UK over criticism of Macron, Starmer
Netanyahu was not alone in blaming the West for going against Israel and blaming the country for waging the war in Gaza, all while backing Hamas. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, also linked the deaths of the embassy staff with European leaders read more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Netanyahu claimed that Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and Canada's Mark Carney had "effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power".. AFP Photo
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism of British Prime Minister Kier Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron has invited accusations of slander from both countries.
Netanyahu on Friday blasted Starmer, Macron and the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for supporting Hamas and stoking antisemitism following the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC earlier this week. The duo were killed by a gunman who was heard saying 'Free, free Palestine' as he was being taken away by the police.
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'I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others. They are now proposing to establish a Palestinian state and reward these murderers with the ultimate prize,' the prime minister said.
Netanyahu was not alone in blaming the West for going against Israel and blaming the country for waging the war in Gaza, all while backing Hamas. Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, also linked the deaths of the embassy staff with European leaders.
Meanwhile, the Israeli leader's comments have not just invited criticism from the countries whose leaders he pinned the blame on, but are also believed by officials of his own government to be actions motivated by Starmer, Macron and Carney's joint statement, calling on Israel to stop the war.
What have UK and France said?
In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described Netanyahu's allegations of antisemitism as defamatory. In a statement posted on X, Barrot said: 'Accusing of encouraging antisemitism or [supporting] Hamas whoever defends the two-state solution is absurd and slanderous.'
He also stated that France supports Hamas being 'disarmed and permanently excluded from the political future of Gaza.'
Meanwhile, Britain's armed forces minister, Luke Pollard, said, 'I condemn fully the murders of the Israeli diplomats in the United States, as has the prime minister very publicly."
'But we're also absolutely clear that the best way to bring peace to the Middle East is with an immediate ceasefire being restored in Gaza with Hamas releasing the hostages without any further delay, and with massive amounts of aid getting to the Palestinian people in Gaza – food, water and medical supplies being delivered – without delay,' he added.
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Business Standard
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India.com
an hour ago
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Pakistan and Turkey join hands to threaten this 'friend' of India, not Armenia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, will Modi govt...
Pakistan is not learning its lesson, despite receiving a befitting reply from India each time. It continues to spread false propaganda. Countries such as China and Turkey have been key supporters of Pakistan. This time, Turkey is trying to intimidate India's ally, Greece, and elevate Pakistan's fraudulent claims. Recently, Turkey's conservative media outlet, TR Haber, published a story that said Pakistan shot down six India's Rafale jets during the India-Pakistan conflict, and cautioned Greece about purchasing Rafale aircraft, as these baseless claims could be part of a continued propaganda strategy to confuse and put pressure on allies in the region. India has not confirmed any loss of fighter aircraft, including the French-made Rafale jets. According to a report from TR Haber, Athens has voiced concerns regarding the capabilities and dependability of the Rafale jets, as they have now cited the alleged downing of a Rafale by Pakistan's Chinese-manufactured JF-17 fighter. Greece has purchased 24 Rafale jets from France, of which they have received all 18 between 2021 and 2023, with 6 more due for delivery by December 31st, 2024, which will be stationed at Tanagra Air Base. Turkish media outlet TR Haber reported, 'Greece, which aims to establish air superiority over Ankara with Rafales, became concerned after the developments. Questioning the performance of the Rafales could lead Greece to reconsider its defence strategy.' Turkish media outlet TR Haber claimed that Greece, which hopes to gain an edge over Turkey with its Rafale jets, is now feeling uneasy after recent events. The report said some Greek media are questioning the Rafale's performance, which might lead Greece to rethink its defence plans—though it didn't name any sources. It also added that Turkey's push for homegrown weapons and its fast-growing military strength are making Greece more nervous.
