Israeli envoy to US known as again dwelling over ‘blood libel’ jab at Netanyahu’s rivals

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has introduced that Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, will likely be known as in for a proper listening to after making stern political feedback throughout an interview. He criticised opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within the interview with PragerU, which sparked backlash.

Leiter gave an interview to the conservative media outlet, the place he accused the “excessive left and the media” of working collectively to carry down Netanyahu.

“It’s reliable to oppose a authorities. I’ve opposed governments in my political profession, and that’s effective. But don’t cross the border, don’t cross the road. Don’t stage blood libels at your personal prime minister,” Leiter mentioned within the interview.

He defended Netanyahu in opposition to accusations that the prime minister is prolonging the war in Gaza for political gain.

“I’ve recognized the prime minister for 40 years. He’s a delicate man who cares about individuals. Prolong a struggle? What sort of madness is that? How dare they are saying one thing as malicious as that? He desires the struggle to finish, however in victory as a result of he carries the burden of the Jewish individuals on his shoulders,” he added.

Following the backlash, the Foreign Ministry mentioned that Leiter can be summoned for a listening to below the Civil Service Commission. Eden Bar Tal, the ministry’s Director General, will lead the enquiry.

ENVOY’S PAST CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS

Leiter has been criticised for his public feedback earlier than. Earlier this 12 months, he accused Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of breaking the peace deal between the US and Israel. He additionally alleged that he was earning money off of Palestinians making an attempt to depart Gaza.

During the Prager U interview, Leiter additionally talked about Netanyahu’s corruption trials. He claimed that the prime minister was going to court docket over the submarine deal whereas preparing for army motion in Lebanon. However, Netanyahu just isn’t on trial for that case, however a few of his shut aides have been charged.

Polls present that a number of Israelis are beginning to doubt Netanyahu’s motives. A current ballot by Channel 12 discovered that 55% of Israelis suppose Netanyahu’s principal purpose is to remain in energy, to not finish the battle or carry hostages dwelling.

Leiter, who grew to become ambassador in early 2024, is understood for being very pro-settlement. He was one of many first individuals to dwell within the Admot Yishai neighborhood in Hebron, and he has lengthy supported efforts to settle within the West Bank. He was once an aide to Netanyahu when he was finance minister. In 2009, he ran for a seat within the Knesset as a Likud candidate however misplaced.