’Israel’ Summons EU Ambassadors over Claims of Pro-Palestinian Bias

Local Editor

"Israel" summoned European ambassadors on Friday accusing them of the so-called pro-Palestinian "bias", in a tit-for-tat move after "Israeli" envoys were called in over settlement expansion plans.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman called in the ambassadors of Britain, France, Italy and Spain to "stress to them that their perpetual one-sided stance against "Israel" and in favor of the Palestinians is unacceptable and creates the impression they are only seeking ways to blame "Israel"," his spokesman said.

Lieberman asked that the envoys be told ""Israel" is making great efforts to enable the continued dialogue with the Palestinians".
"Beyond being biased, unbalanced and ignoring the reality on the ground, the positions held by these states significantly harm the possibility of reaching some sort of agreement between the sides," a statement said.

Lieberman's spokesman said the envoys were being summoned for Friday. Another "Israeli" official confirmed that "calling in ambassadors for the same day was a rare move indicative of the degree of offence caused."

Last Friday, "Israel" announced plans for some 1,800 units in the West Bank.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton had said she was "deeply concerned" over the move, noting settlements were "illegal under international law" and "constitute an obstacle to peace".
"Israeli" ambassadors in London, Rome and Paris were called in over the plans on Thursday, with the ambassador in Madrid summoned for Friday.

"Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the move as "hypocritical."
"The EU calls our ambassadors in because of the construction of a few houses? When did the EU call in the Palestinian ambassadors about incitement that calls for "Israel's" destruction?" Netanyahu asked foreign correspondents at a Thursday reception.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team