Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned on Wednesday comments made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who warned of the dangers of Israel experiencing "chronic apartheid," labeling them as "hypocritical sermons." Le Drian stated on Sunday, in response to clashes that erupted between Jews and Arabs in several Israeli cities during the recent conflict with Gaza, that "the risks of apartheid are significant" unless a Palestinian state is established alongside Israel.
In a media interview with "RTL" radio and "Le Figaro" newspaper, Le Drian said, "If a different solution to the two-state solution emerges in the future, we will find ourselves facing a recipe for chronic apartheid."
On Wednesday, Netanyahu expressed his "strong protest" against Le Drian's "shocking" remarks. A video released by the Israeli Prime Minister's office showed him stating, "The minister said that Israel is at risk of becoming an apartheid state," describing these remarks as "false and outrageous allegations without basis." Netanyahu added, "We will not accept hypocritical sermons on this matter."
The Israeli aerial and artillery bombardment of the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of 254 individuals, including 66 children and combatants, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. On the Israeli side, emergency services confirmed the deaths of 12 individuals, including a child, an Arab-Israeli young woman, an Israeli soldier, and one Indian and two Thai nationals, while about 357 others were reported injured. Recently, the Israeli NGO "B'Tselem," which opposes settlement activity and is based in Washington, accused Israel of implementing an "apartheid system," which the Israeli state has vehemently denied.
