Israel suspends 3 diplomats over anti-Netanyahu tweets
Israel has ordered the immediate suspension of three diplomats for publicly criticizing the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
Israel's Ambassador to Switzerland Yigal Caspi and two other diplomats were suspended on Wednesday for behavior deemed “unacceptable” and unbefitting their profession, Lieberman said on Thursday.
The diplomats held posts in Switzerland, India and Jerusalem (al-Quds), Israeli media reported.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Emmanuel Nahshon, confirmed the report but declined to provide additional details.
The three diplomats twitted on Tuesday criticizing Netanyahu for planning a speech before the US Congress on Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu’s speech has not been coordinated with the White House and is expected to deepen rifts within the US administration.
Dozens of American lawmakers have already threatened not to attend the speech to protest Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
Israeli media reported that the diplomats could face dismissal over their remarks.
The comments come a month ahead of Israel's national election, which is widely seen as a referendum on the performance of right-wing Netanyahu, who is spending his third term in office.
Domestic discord
The Israeli regime has been facing criticism over a number of issues, including its aggression against Palestinians and Netanyahu’s handling of economic problems.
Last month, the Israeli military dismissed over 40 soldiers for publicly criticizing the Tel Aviv regime’s crimes against Palestinians following Israel’s 50-day offensive on the Gaza Strip last summer.
In 2013, thousands of Israelis took to streets in different cities to protest against Tel Aviv’s austerity measures, which have led to growing poverty and unemployment.
The protests were initially triggered by soaring housing prices, but quickly evolved into a sweeping expression of rage against a wide array of economic issues, including the cost of food, gasoline and education.
There are reports that an increasing number of Israelis are renouncing their citizenship in search of a better life.
GMA/KA/SS
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