Israel summons European envoys over settlements dispute
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 17 January 2014 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Israel summons European envoys over settlements dispute, 17 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/533144275.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 17, 2014
Israel says it has summoned a group of European ambassadors to protest their countries' "one-sided" stand in favor of the Palestinians.
The Israeli government announced on January 17 that Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman had called in the ambassadors of Britain, France, Italy, and Spain.
The move came a day after the four European Union countries summoned Israeli ambassadors to object to plans to expand settlements in the West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was "time to stop this hypocrisy" and "inject some balance and fairness to this discussion."
Israel announced last week plans to build 1,400 new homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton labelled the settlements "an obstacle to peace."
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website