Mayor of Bath apologises for branding Hatzola attack an ‘Israeli false flag operation’
Liberal Democrat councillor Dr Bharat Pankhania says his now deleted social media posts about the firebombed ambulances in Golders Green 'never aligned to my values and beliefs'
The Mayor of Bath has apologised “unreservedly” for sharing a social media post that called the burning of four Hatzola ambulances an “Israeli false flag operation”.
Liberal Democrat councillor Dr Bharat Pankhania also reposted content which said: “People are now asking why do the Jewish community have their own private ambulances in the UK?” as well as another post claiming the attack was an example of insurance fraud.
The vehicles in Golders Green were firebombed in the early hours of Monday 23 March. Two men – aged 47 and 45 and of British nationality, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and later released on police bail.
A Bath and North East Somerset councillor since 2019, Pankhania qualified from the Welsh Nation Schools of Medicine in Cardiff, trained as a GP in 1989 and now specialises in disease control.
Having now deleted the posts, he wrote in a statement: ‘I have been made aware that I have reposted or replied to some posts which have never aligned to my values and beliefs, and which are abhorrent. ‘I am incredibly apologetic that I have not lived up to the standards I set myself. I have of course deleted them, and I wish to apologise unreservedly.’
Gas canisters kept in the ambulances exploded after they were set alight, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution.
Residents described being woken in the early hours by the noise, with the force of the explosions blowing out windows, including those of the nearby synagogue.
Toby Davis, honorary vice chair of Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel told Jewish News: “This is a clear example of antisemitism masking itself as anti-Zionism.
“For a senior councillor to describe a disgusting antisemitic attack as an ‘Israel false flag operation’ is not only deeply offensive, it is the promotion of a dangerous conspiracy theory. This kind of rhetoric fuels anti-Jewish hatred, undermines trust, and puts Jewish communities at risk. Coming from a local leader, it is especially serious and brings our party into disrepute. An apology is not enough. Actions must speak louder than words, particularly given the individual’s track record of similar posts.
“We are calling on the local party to take immediate steps to suspend him while a full investigation is carried out. Anything less fails to meet the standard our party should uphold.”
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