Israel: Pro-settler party demands apology from EU Parliament chief over water remarks
- 10 years ago
He made waves in Israel’s Knesset with comments over access to water.
Now an apology is being demanded from European Parliament President Martin Schultz by the pro-settler party whose members stormed out during his speech.
German Schulz, addressing Israel’s chamber in his native language, said he had been asked by a “Palestinian youth” in the West Bank why Israelis receive four times as much water per capita as Palestinians.
“I haven’t checked the data,” Schulz added.
“I’m asking you if this is correct.”
The answer from the far-right Jewish Home Party was immediate.
“Shame on you. You support someone who is inciting against Jews,” shouted Jewish Home MP Moti Yogev before leaving the chamber in protest. Party colleagues joined him.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticised Schulz for his remarks.
The German politician himself has said it was simply his duty to reflect the position of the European Parliament.
Now an apology is being demanded from European Parliament President Martin Schultz by the pro-settler party whose members stormed out during his speech.
German Schulz, addressing Israel’s chamber in his native language, said he had been asked by a “Palestinian youth” in the West Bank why Israelis receive four times as much water per capita as Palestinians.
“I haven’t checked the data,” Schulz added.
“I’m asking you if this is correct.”
The answer from the far-right Jewish Home Party was immediate.
“Shame on you. You support someone who is inciting against Jews,” shouted Jewish Home MP Moti Yogev before leaving the chamber in protest. Party colleagues joined him.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticised Schulz for his remarks.
The German politician himself has said it was simply his duty to reflect the position of the European Parliament.