Israel sharply criticized the UK after London voiced opposition to the Jewish state’s support for settlements in the occupied West Bank, the latest in a series of rows with once strong Western allies.
The UK’s top diplomat called Israeli settlement expansion plans “unacceptable and destructive,” adding to a barrage of criticism this week: London alongside Berlin, Paris, and Rome issued a joint statement condemning the settlements, while Germany and France labeled as “inhumane” remarks by an Israeli minister who called for killing “30 to 40” Gazans daily.
Meanwhile, Australia acknowledged “difficult” relations with Israel over its decision not to probe an aid worker’s killing.
Even the US’ staunchly pro-Israel envoy defended his earlier description of West Bank settlers as “terrorists.”