Israeli Labour Party severs ties with Britain's Corbyn

The Israeli Labor Party says it has decided to temporarily sever all ties with Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britain’s Labour Party, due to his perceived failure to handle anti-Semitism in his party.

Israel’s Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay made the announcement in a letter to his British counterpart on Tuesday, saying that his party could not maintain relations with Corbyn and his office amid allegations he allowed for the “anti-Semitic statements and actions” in his party as well as showing “hatred” towards Israel’s policies.

“It is my responsibility to acknowledge the hostility you have shown to the Jewish community and the anti-Semitic statements and actions you have allowed as leader of the Labour Party UK,” Gabbay wrote in the letter to Corbyn.

“While there are many areas where our respective parties can and will cooperate, we cannot retain relations with you, leader of Labour Party UK, while you fail to adequately address the anti-Semitism within Labour Party UK,” he noted.

Gabbay added that the British Labour Party leader had shown “very public hatred” towards Israeli policies, including those where the opposition and the ruling coalition are aligned.

“As such, I write to inform you of the temporary suspension of all formal relations between the Israel Labour party and the leader of the Labour Party UK,” he wrote.

Gabbay stressed that the suspension was “temporary” and only applied to relations with Corbyn and his office, not with the entire British Labour Party.

Last month, the Jewish Leadership Council called the British Labour Party leader a “figurehead” for anti-Semitism because of his strong criticism of Israel for its oppressive policies against Palestinians.

Relations between the two parties have deteriorated since Corbyn became leader in September 2015.

As a veteran peace activist, Corbyn has long been critical of London's involvement in US-led wars across the world and its support of Israel in its unending oppression against Palestinians.

Corbyn has stood up for Palestine and Palestinian rights and has been a strong advocate against Britain’s foreign wars in the Middle East. 

PressTV- Corbyn blasts Israel's 'outrage' against Palestinians

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn slams Western nations’ silence over Israel “outrage” against Palestinians.

The British Labour Party leader on Saturday called for a review of arms sales to Israel in a message condemning its “illegal and inhumane” actions against Palestinians protesting on the border with Gaza.

Over 30 Palestinians were recently killed when Israeli soldiers opened fire on protesters during anti-occupation rallies in the besieged Gaza Strip.

“They [Palestinians] have a right to protest against their appalling conditions and the continuing blockade and occupation of Palestinian land, and in support of their right to return to their homes and their right to self-determination,” Corbyn said.

He also urged British Prime Minister Theresa May to support the United Nation’s call for an independent international investigation into the killings.

Each year, the UK government continues to approve millions of pounds worth of arms and weapons technology exports to Israel.

Israel has tightened military presence on the Gaza fence, deploying armored vehicles, back-up special forces and snipers. The regime’s forces have also the permission to open fire on unnamed Gazans.

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