Prefer Jewish News on Google
Israel slams “scandalous” comments by Swedish minister as relations worsen
The bitter war of words between Israel and Sweden escalated on Sunday after Israeli officials said the Swedish foreign minister’s accusation that Israel was guilty of unlawfully killing Palestinians was “scandalous”.
Relations between Jerusalem and Stockholm worsened after Israel’s foreign ministry again took exception to Margot Wallstrom’s comments, but the Swedish premier defended her, saying her remarks had been blown out of all proportion.
“The Minister for Foreign Affairs did not, as alleged, say that extrajudicial executions occur in Israel,” said Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. “The situation in the Middle East is difficult enough without having to be encumbered by misunderstandings about anybody’s intentions.”
It echoes a similar spat three weeks ago, when Israel said Wallstrom was “appallingly impudent” by linking the attacks in Paris to the plight of Palestinians. Sweden’s ambassador to Israel was summoned to explain the remarks.
A spokeswoman for Wallstrom at the time said her comments about Palestinians and the Paris attacks had been made in different sections of the interview, but that the story had been presented to suggest a link.
Last year, Sweden’s centre-left government became the first European state to officially recognise a Palestinian state. In November, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Wallstrom “demonstrates genuine hostility”.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
