Netanyahu accuses leaders of Britain, France and Canada of ‘emboldening Hamas’

His remarks echoed comments made earlier by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and came amid growing global outrage over the worsening humanitarian situation in the enclave.

“It’s hard to convince at least some people, definitely on the far left in the US and in some countries in Europe, that what Israel is doing is a war of defence,” said former Israeli diplomat Yaki Dayan. “But this is how it is perceived in Israel and bridging this gap is sometimes an impossible mission.”

Israel has expressed alarm at renewed momentum in Europe for recognition of a Palestinian state, especially from countries like Spain and Ireland. Netanyahu warned that such recognition would only reward terror.

“They don’t want a Palestinian state. They want to destroy the Jewish state,” he said in a post on X, citing the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington by an assailant who allegedly shouted “Free Palestine”. “I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others.”

Netanyahu accused the three countries of “emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever” and said any move to recognise Palestinian statehood would hand the group “the ultimate prize”.

The leaders’ joint statement on Monday did not demand a total ceasefire but called for a halt to Israel’s current military operations and for restrictions on aid to be lifted. Israel had maintained a blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza since March, though it began easing restrictions this week.

“By issuing their demand – replete with a threat of sanctions against Israel, against Israel, not Hamas – these three leaders effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power,” Netanyahu said. “And they give them hope to establish a second Palestinian state from which Hamas will again seek to destroy the Jewish state.”

Hamas welcomed the Western leaders’ comments, according to Netanyahu, who also claimed the group thanked French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canada’s Mark Carney.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot responded, calling Netanyahu’s accusations “absurd and slanderous”. “France, like Britain and Canada, designates Hamas as a terrorist organisation,” he said. “We are unwaveringly committed to Israel’s security.”

Britain’s armed forces minister Luke Pollard said the UK supports Israel’s right to self-defence, “but that self-defence must be conducted within the bounds of international humanitarian law.” He added: “At this moment, we stand fast against terrorism, but we also want to make sure that the aid is getting into Gaza.”