U.S. ambassador to Israel slams Israel's West Bank settlement policies during the annual conference of the Institute for National Security Studies. This public rebuke from Israel's top ally has then incited an angry response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking to the high-profile conference, U.S. ambassador Daniel Shapiro pointed out against Israel's expansion of settlements which raises questions on its commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state. Shapiro also noted how Israel continued to legalize West Bank outposts despite prior pledges with United States.
While U.S. remains to be Israel's closest friend and a reliable ally, Shapiro stated that they share the role in calling out Israel's errors.
"Too much vigilantism goes unchecked and at times there seem to be two standards of adherence to the rule of law: one for Israelis and another for Palestinians," Shapiro stated.
Reportedly in the West Bank, Israelis live under the Israeli civil law, while Palestinians are subject to Israeli military law. As a result, Palestinians allegedly have fewer legal protections as Palestinian offenders are quickly arrested or killed while Israelis committing violence are rarely brought to justice.
Shapiro's criticism has immediately invoked a heated response from Israel's Prime Minister who deemed Shapiro's remarks inappropriate at a time of heightened violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
"The ambassador's statements, on the day when a mother of six who was murdered is buried, and on a day when a pregnant woman is stabbed - are unacceptable and wrong." Netanyahu stated, as per Haaretz.
The Prime Minister also rejected the allegations of double standards. Israel contends that the violence is the result of Palestinian campaign of lies and incitement rooted in frustrations over Israel's occupation.
"Israel enforces the law on Israelis and Palestinians. The onus for the stalemate in the diplomatic process is the Palestinian Authority, which continues to incite and refuses negotiations." The Prime Minister's Office stated.
Shapiro's remarks are purportedly the latest remarks voiced by the U.S. at the Israeli government, following the issue over Israel's controversial NGO bill.
