British Foreign Secretary William Hague’s visit to Israel was perhaps more uncomfortable than initially advertised, coming just two days after Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz accused Britain of being “anti-semitic.”
Steinitz had cited criticism of Israeli policy in the British press as his basis for the charge, noting that the American press was much friendlier. Hague responded today that Israel’s dwindling support in Britain and indeed across Europe stems from their settlement expansions.
“We strongly disagree with settlements on occupied land,” Hague added, saying that his government has repeatedly warned Israel in the past that the settlements were costing them support.
Hague went on to express support for a two-state solution, warning that Israel was endangering both its status as a Jewish state and as a democratic one by continuing the occupation.
