Israeli Govt Hits Back as International Pressure Over Gaza Mounts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on May 28 hit back at growing international pressure over the war in Gaza, amid deepening signs of division at home, 600 days after the Hamas-led attack on the country on Oct 7, 2023.

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JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government on May 28 hit back at growing international pressure over the war in Gaza, amid deepening signs of division at home, 600 days after the Hamas-led attack on the country on Oct 7, 2023.

On May 28, Italy joined a growing list of European countries that have traditionally held back from criticizing Israel in demanding an end to the war, after Germany stepped up its language against the Israeli campaign earlier in the week.

Mr. Netanyahu said last week that similar criticisms from France, Britain, and Canada were "emboldening" Hamas and that the leaders of the three countries were "on the wrong side of history".

Speaking at a conference on anti-Semitism in Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was living through a time "when the ancient desire to eliminate the Jewish people has become stronger".

He said: "The new anti-Semitism targets the state of Israel. It uses demonization, delegitimization, and double standards."

He said organizations such as the International Criminal Court, which has issued arrest warrants against Mr. Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, as well as calls to impose an arms embargo on Israel, undermined the country's ability to defend itself.