New anti- Semitism warning as Corbyn misses Israel dinner
She told guests there was no excuse for hatred based on religion, place of birth or skin colour, then added: “And yes, this means recognising that there is today a new and pernicious form of anti- Semitism which uses criticism of the actions of the Israeli government as a despicable justification for questioning the very right of Israel to exist.
“This is abhorrent and we will not stand for it.
“That is why the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of an international effort to create a new definition of anti- Semitism which explicitly calls out this inexcusable attempt to justify hatred.
“Let me be clear – criticising the actions of Israel is never – and can never be – an excuse for questioning Israel’s right to exist, any more than criticising the actions of Britain could be an excuse for questioning our right to exist.
“And criticising the government of Israel is never – and can never be – an excuse for hatred against the Jewish people. Put simply, there can be no excuses for any kind of hatred towards the Jewish people. There never have been – and there never will be.”
Earlier Mr Netanyahu, protected by heavy security for his UK visit, held talks with Mrs May in Downing Street. She told him that Britain regards illegal settlements by Israelis in Palestinian territories as an obstacle to peace in the Middle East.
She said: “Britain remains committed to a two- state solution. I’m sure we will want to be talking about the peace Middle East.
“I also want to talk about what we see as some of the barriers and some of the difficulties like the illegal settlements in relation to that peace process.”
Mr Netanyahu process said in Israel the was committed to the peace process but the Palestinians had to accept his country’s right to exist as pledged by Arthur Balfour in 1917.
He added: “Israel is committed to peace, I’m committed to peace.”