Israel summons French ambassador over Le Drian's 'apartheid' remarks

The Israeli foreign minister summoned France's ambassador to Tel Aviv, in protest over his French counterpart's statement that Israel is at risk of becoming an apartheid state.

World

1 min read

The New Arab Staff

27 May, 2021

French FM Le Drian and Israeli PM Netanyahu

Le Drian's (L) apartheid comments have angered Israeli officials, including PM Netanyahu (R). [Anadolu Agency/Getty]

Israel has summoned France’s ambassador to Tel Aviv over comments made by the French foreign minister, who warned that Israel was turning into an apartheid state, according to an Israeli journalist.

Walla News' diplomatic correspondent, Barak Ravid, revealed on Twitter that Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi summoned Eric Danon in protest over the remarks made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Le Drian earlier this week warned that Israel is at risk of "long-lasting apartheid" if a Palestinian state is not established and occupation of the West Bank does not end.

Israeli Foreign Minister @Gabi_Ashkenazi summoned the French ambassador over remarks by the French Foreign Minister that Israel could turn into an Apartheid state if the occupation of the West Bank continues
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 27, 2021

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced Le Drian's use of the word apartheid Wednesday, rejecting it as "an insolent, false claim that has no basis", according to Israeli media.

Israel's construction of settlements in the West Bank have continued, despite it being illegal under international law. Around half a million Jewish Israeli settlers live in the Palestinian territory.