Netanyahu criticises European ‘support’ for anti-Israel groups

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said his government was looking into support from European nations for groups engaged in what he described as anti-Israel activities, specifically mentioning France.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said an inquiry had “found support from European countries, including France, for several organisations that engage in incitement, call for a boycott of Israel and do not recognise the state of Israel’s right to exist.” 

“We will complete the inquiry and submit the findings to the French government,” Netanyahu said, without identifying any organisation.

Israeli officials have regularly condemned support by foreign governments for left-wing NGOs critical of the country’s policies towards the Palestinians.

In mid-July, Israel’s parliament adopted a law seen as targeting left-wing groups critical of the government by forcing NGOs that receive most of their funding from foreign states to declare it.