Tzipi Hotovely said Israel does not support the idea of an independent Palestinian state in an interview with Sky News. Photo: PAUL GROVER FOR THE TELEGRAPH
Rishi Sunak has publicly clashed with Israel's ambassador to the UK over her opposition to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The Prime Minister said he disagreed with comments made Tzipi Hotovely this week as he supports a two-state solution to the Gaza conflict.
His comments represent a rare public rebuke of Israel and come from Western capitals voicing growing concerns about the high death toll among civilian population.
At the same time, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron announced sanctions against those responsible for “settler violence” in the West Bank.
Ms. During an interview with Sky News this week, Hotovely was asked whether she supported Does Israel still have the idea of an independent Palestinian state.
She replied: “The answer is absolutely no. Israel knows today, and the world should know now, that the Palestinians never wanted a state next to Israel.
“They want to have a state from the river to the sea. They say it loud and clear. Two months have passed since the war.”
When asked how there could be peace with such a position, she said: “Why are you obsessed with a formula that never worked, that created these radical people on the other side? » side?
“Is it okay to continue with a solution that has never worked in the past, the Palestinians continued to deny, and will now create another terrorist state? Israel is not interested in this.”
Rishi Sunak was asked about the Israeli ambassador's remarks while visiting a school in Finchley, north London Photo: REUTERS
Asked about the remarks during visiting a school in Finchley, north London, the Prime Minister responded: “We don't agree with that.”
“Our long-standing position continues to be that a two-state solution is the right outcome here.” .
“And more importantly, what is happening is incredibly worrying. I have said repeatedly that too many innocent people have died.
“No one wants to see this conflict continue any longer than necessary.”
He added: “We will continue to support calls for sustainable a ceasefire in which the hostages are released, more aid will be delivered, and, most importantly, Hamas will no longer fire rockets at Israel.”
Of course, Israel has the right to defend itself against the horrific terrorist attack that he was hurt.
“But as I told Prime Minister Netanyahu just last week, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect the lives of innocent civilians.
“Murders of Palestinian civilians”
His statement came as Lord Cameron announced that the UK would reimpose US sanctions on those responsible for settler violence in the West Bank.
The Foreign Minister said: “Extremist settlers, by attacking and killing Palestinian civilians, undermine the security and stability of both Israelis and Palestinians.”
“Israel must take stronger action to stop the violence settlers and bring those responsible to justice.
“We are banning those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to ensure our country cannot become home to people who commit these horrific acts.”
The US announced a visa ban last week, while the EU said it was also considering a similar measure.
The United Nations said the number of daily attacks on settlers has more than doubled since Hamas began its reign of terror October 7th. attack on Israel.
The Joe Biden administration is separately blocking the sale of more than 20,000 American-made assault rifles over concerns about settler violence.
Axios reported that the White House had suspended the issuance of licenses. for exporting the M16 to Israel amid signs his support for Israel is beginning to wane.
Biden warned Israel on Tuesday that it is losing international support over its “indiscriminate” bombing of the Gaza Strip and called on it to change tactics
Lord Cameron called the ambassador's comments “disappointing” and said the UK remains committed to a two-state solution.
The Foreign Secretary said Israel's long-term security “requires that there also be a state for Palestine” and Britain will continue to push for one.
He told colleagues: “I don't think we should put too much emphasis on great value to one interview. We must act and think about how to help this happen.”
France's public calls for a ceasefire
Lord Cameron also criticized France's public calls for a ceasefire, which he said would ultimately undermine the aim of the two peace negotiations. -state decision.
In a public attack on Emmanuel Macron, he said Paris was wrong to call for a cessation of hostilities before Hamas was defeated.
He made the remarks when colleagues asked why Britain did not support the Organization's resolution United Nations calling for a truce in a vote on Tuesday.
“If you have an immediate ceasefire but Hamas is still armed to the teeth, firing rockets at Israel and wanting a repeat of October 7, you will never have a two-state solution,” he said.
< p> “I know the British can be annoyingly logical, factual and down to earth on this matter. . I completely understand countries that just sign an immediate ceasefire and say they want a two-state solution and don't reconcile those things, but I think we should try to reconcile those things.
“ So yes to urgent pauses, yes to relief and hostage release, yes to a lasting ceasefire, and yes to a two-state solution, but I don't think we should vote for things that don't align with those views.
“And that is the difference between us and what the French voted for and what others voted for, but I think our approach is correct.”
The Foreign Minister also said he was considering extension of sanctions to these countries. responsible for settler violence, including asset freezes.
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