Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Sir Keir Starmer of emboldening Hamas

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Sir Keir Starmer of “emboldening Hamas”, after the British Prime Minister joined the leaders of France and Canada in calling for a halt to Israel’s military offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Earlier this week, Sir Keir, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney condemned the Israeli government’s “egregious” actions in Gaza, warning the UK and allies will take “concrete actions” unless Mr Netanyahu changes course.

In a post on X on Thursday evening, the Israeli prime minister said Hamas wants to “destroy the Jewish state” and “annihilate the Jewish people”.

He said: “I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others.

“I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer, when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice.

“Because by issuing their demand – replete with a threat of sanctions against Israel, against Israel, not Hamas – these three leaders effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power.”

Mr Netanyahu said the actions of the leaders were not “advancing peace”, but “emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever”.

The Israeli leader’s comments came in a video statement after two Israeli embassy staff were killed in Washington DC.

Armed forces minister Luke Pollard defended the UK’s stance, saying the killings are a “terrible example of the antisemitic hate that, sadly, we are seeing rise in the world”, but that the UK is also “making the strong case” for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for aid to be delivered.

“I don’t recognise what prime minister Netanyahu has said about that awful event in the States,” he told Sky News.

“We condemn the killing of diplomats thoroughly. We want to see a proper investigation – as we would do in all things – to secure justice for those people who have been murdered in the States.

“But we also, at the same time, should not remove ourselves from the need to secure a lasting peace in Gaza… a lasting peace is good for Israel.”

The Israeli embassy staff, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the 31-year-old suspect approached.

Israel’s foreign minister identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.

The attack has sent shockwaves around the world and prompted Israeli missions to beef up security.

Elias Rodriguez, 31, told police after his arrest, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal authorities said on Thursday, as they announced criminal charges.

Sir Keir has described the shooting as “antisemitic”.

He said: “I thoroughly condemn the antisemitic attack outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC.

“Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears.

“My thoughts are with their colleagues, family and loved ones, and as always, I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.”

Downing Street said the Prime Minister “stands in solidarity with the Jewish community here in the UK”, adding the Government has offered its “full support to the Israeli embassy in London”.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman added: “As you know, we continue to provide around £18 million a year in funding for protective security measures for Jewish community sites in the UK.”

The Government’s approach towards Israel’s actions in Gaza will not change as a result of the killings, the spokesman indicated, but he said this “does not take away at all from the fact that antisemitism is an evil that must be stamped out wherever it appears”.

On Tuesday, the Government suspended trade deal talks with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers and summoned the country’s ambassador, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Israel’s actions as “monstrous”.

Published: 23/05/2025 by Radio NewsHub