By Asmita - May 23, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for supporting Hamas as Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza. The dispute escalated after the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC, which Netanyahu linked to growing antisemitic incitement fueled by criticism of Israel's actions. Downing Street refrains from directly responding to Netanyahu but reiterates condemnation of antisemitism. Netanyahu argues that Western leaders' rhetoric emboldens Hamas, while the UK, France, and Canada warn of further measures against Israel if it doesn't change its course in Gaza.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of siding with Hamas after Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, condemned Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu’s accusations came after the leaders issued a joint statement denouncing Israel’s actions and threatening “concrete actions” if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve. In a video posted on social media, Netanyahu claimed that by demanding an immediate end to Israel’s military campaign, these leaders were effectively calling for Hamas to remain in power, thus emboldening the group to continue its fight against Israel.
The controversy escalated following the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC, an attack that Netanyahu linked to what he described as growing antisemitic incitement fueled by criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were killed by a gunman who reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans. Netanyahu argued that the rhetoric from Western leaders, including Starmer, was contributing to an environment that emboldened Hamas and encouraged violence against Israelis.
Downing Street has refrained from directly responding to Netanyahu’s remarks but reiterated Starmer’s condemnation of the Washington attack, labeling antisemitism as “an evil we must eradicate.” Starmer expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and called for an end to antisemitic violence, while the UK government maintained its criticism of Israel’s humanitarian blockade in Gaza, describing the situation as “intolerable” and the aid allowed in as “completely insufficient”.
The Israeli government’s actions in Gaza have come under increasing scrutiny, with hundreds of Palestinians killed in recent operations and the humanitarian crisis worsening. The UK, France, and Canada have warned of further measures if Israel does not alter its course, while Netanyahu insists that any such pressure only serves to strengthen Hamas and undermine Israel’s security.
