By Mohamed Ghani
Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched a scathing attack against the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, accusing them of being on the “wrong side of history” and effectively siding with Hamas. The outburst follows mounting international condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza and calls for unrestricted humanitarian aid access.
Netanyahu’s remarks, delivered in a televised address on Friday, directly named French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer, and former Bank of England Governor and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney (representing Canada), stating: “When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you’re on the wrong side of justice, you’re on the wrong side of humanity and you’re on the wrong side of history.”
He further asserted that these leaders, by criticizing Israel, were “emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever and they give them hope to establish a second Palestinian state from which Hamas will again seek to destroy the Jewish state.”
The accusations stem from a joint statement issued earlier this week by Macron, Starmer, and Carney, condemning Israel’s “egregious” military actions in Gaza and warning of “concrete actions” if Netanyahu’s government failed to alter its course, particularly concerning the provision of humanitarian assistance.
The Prime Minister’s address also addressed the recent shooting in Washington D.C., where two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were killed at an event hosted by the Capital Jewish Museum. Netanyahu described the incident as a “horrific” act of antisemitic violence. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he was apprehended by police. Netanyahu drew a direct connection between the shooting and the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, which triggered the current conflict.
While France, the UK, and Canada, all long-standing allies of Israel, condemned the Washington shooting and the October 7th attack, their criticism of Israel’s military response in Gaza has evidently strained relations.
Faltering Relations and Strong Defenses
Government ministers in all three countries have swiftly defended their leaders and policies. Christophe Lemoine, spokesperson for the French foreign ministry, emphasized the urgent need for “massive and free” humanitarian access to Gaza while criticizing the ongoing military escalation.
In the UK, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard rejected Netanyahu’s criticism of Starmer, stating, “We stand in support of Israel’s right to self-defense as long as they conduct that within international humanitarian law.”
Relations between Israel and the UK have reportedly reached their lowest point in decades following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s suspension of free trade negotiations with Israel, citing “repellent” calls from Israeli cabinet ministers to “purify Gaza.”
This is not the first time Macron has faced strong criticism from Netanyahu. Earlier this month, the Israeli Prime Minister accused Macron of “once again choosing to stand” with Hamas after the French President suggested the EU should consider sanctions against Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are believed to be facing starvation.
Despite the recent increase in aid trucks entering Gaza, following a near three-month blockade, the UN has described the amount as a “drop in the ocean” compared to the overwhelming need.
Israel’s defense Forces (IDF) launched a renewed offensive in Gaza, codenamed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, last Friday. The major ground offensive, supported by the Israeli air force, aims to expand “operational control” over Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The operation is focused on both northern and southern Gaza.
