A Labour MP has apologised within the Commons after calling the Israeli authorities “fascist”.
Speaking throughout Prime Minister’s Questions, Kim Johnson stated: “Since the election of the fascist Israeli government in December last year, there has been an increase in human rights violations against Palestinian civilians, including children.”
She added: “Can the prime minister tell us how he is challenging what Amnesty and other human rights organisations are referring to as an apartheid state?”
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The comment was deemed “unacceptable” by Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer, his spokesperson stated, and it’s understood the social gathering’s chief whip instructed her to withdraw it.
Two hours later, the Liverpool Riverside MP returned to the Commons and instructed the House she wished to “apologise unreservedly for the intemperate language”.
Ms Johnson added: “I was wrong to use the term fascist in relation to the Israeli government and understand why this was particularly insensitive given the history of the state of Israel.
“And whereas there are far-right parts within the authorities I recognise that using the time period on this context was incorrect.”
She also apologised for using the term “apartheid state” in reference to Israel, saying: “While I used to be quoting precisely Amnesty’s description I recognise that is insensitive and I wish to withdraw it.”
In December 2022, Benjamin Netanyahu returned to workplace as prime minister of Israel for the sixth time – however his coalition authorities has brought on controversy, with non secular hardliners and ultranationalists taking posts.
Tensions have been rising between Israel and the Palestinians in latest weeks, with escalating violence within the area.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived within the nation earlier this week and appealed to “everyone to take steps to calm tensions rather than inflame them”.
Source: information.sky.com”