Former PM shows solidarity with Jewish state and warns of rise in antisemitism
Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Israel yesterday to express solidarity with the country in the wake of the deadly October 7 attacks. Joining former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on a tour of the war-torn region, Johnson condemned the massacre of 1,400 Israeli civilians by Hamas as "evil". The emotional ex-PM called attention to the rise in antisemitism during mass pro-Palestine protests and urged demonstrators to witness the devastation caused by Hamas. Johnson emphasized the importance of Israel as a safe haven for Jews and praised the efforts of Israeli troops to protect civilians.
Remembering the Holocaust and warning against antisemitism
During his visit to the Kfar Aza kibbutz, which was targeted by Hamas, Johnson expressed concern that the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust may be fading. He criticized pro-Palestine marches in Britain, stating that they may be contributing to a growing wave of antisemitism. Johnson stressed the need to recognize the difference between the actions of Israeli troops and the "witting evil" of Hamas, calling for a rejection of any moral equivalence between the two.
Meeting with British-Israeli soldiers
In Jerusalem, Johnson met with British-Israeli soldiers and expressed his disagreement with attempts to equate their actions with those of terrorists. He praised their efforts and reiterated the importance of supporting Israel in its fight against terrorism.
