Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a fierce rebuke against the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada, accusing them of “emboldening Hamas” following their united call for a halt to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
In a defiant video statement posted online Thursday, Netanyahu condemned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for what he called a betrayal of justice.
Western Pressure Meets Israeli Defiance
Earlier this week, the three Western leaders described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “egregious,” warning that concrete diplomatic consequences could follow if Israel did not allow more humanitarian aid or halt its offensive. Netanyahu responded sharply, calling the international critique “morally inverted.”
“When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers, and kidnappers thank you—you’re on the wrong side of justice,” Netanyahu said.
He insisted that Hamas’s objective remains the destruction of the Jewish state, and any attempt to restrain Israeli military actions only empowers terror.
Diplomatic Fallout Escalates
The clash marks the lowest point in UK-Israel relations in decades. Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy suspended free trade negotiations with Israel, citing disturbing rhetoric from Israeli cabinet ministers calling to “purify Gaza.”
In parallel, new sanctions were imposed on Israeli settlers accused of extremist violence in the West Bank, intensifying diplomatic strain.
UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard defended the government’s recent stance. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence, but stressed that actions must remain within international humanitarian law.
Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
Western governments, including the UK, have increasingly pushed for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Pollard emphasized the critical need for food, water, and medical supplies to reach Gaza without delay. “That’s the best way to secure peace and safety for both Palestinians and Israelis,” he said.
Despite Netanyahu’s criticism, European and North American leaders appear resolute in maintaining pressure for a diplomatic and humanitarian solution.
Israeli Diplomats Killed Amid Rising Tensions
The backdrop to Netanyahu’s remarks was further darkened by the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, DC on Wednesday. The attack, condemned internationally as antisemitic, has prompted heightened security measures across Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide.
Prime Minister Starmer condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. Downing Street confirmed full support for the Israeli embassy in London.
A Widening Rift in Global Diplomacy
As Netanyahu doubles down, framing international criticism as support for terrorism, Western leaders are signaling a turning point. Their unified front reflects growing impatience with Israel’s conduct in Gaza and a demand for renewed focus on humanitarian obligations and long-term peace negotiations.
Whether this marks a permanent shift in Western-Israeli relations remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the diplomatic fallout is now in full swing—and the global stakes are higher than ever.
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