Israeli spokesman suspended after row with UK foreign secretary
Israeli demonstrators gather by the Nitzana border crossing to Egypt on 30 January 2024 as they attempt to block humanitarian aid trucks from entering the Gaza Strip
Middle East Eye reports on 20 March 2024:
The Israeli government’s English-language spokesperson has been dismissed after becoming embroiled in a row with the British foreign secretary on social media, according to Israeli reports.
Eylon Levy had responded to a post on X by David Cameron earlier this month in which the UK’s top diplomat called upon Israel to allow more trucks to deliver aid into Gaza. “I hope you are also aware there are NO limits on the entry of food, water, medicine, or shelter equipment into Gaza, and in fact the crossings have EXCESS capacity,” Levy reportedly said in a now-deleted post, according to the Times of Israel.
Levy’s response prompted concern within the British government, according to Israel’s Channel 12. The UK Foreign Office later requested a clarification and asked whether Levy’s response represented Israel’s official stance.
Following the UK complaints, British-born Levy was suspended from his role, with multiple Israeli media reports stating that he has been absent from work for more than a week and he is unlikely to return. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the dismissal on Tuesday, but did not give a reason behind it.
Since war broke out on 7 October, Israel has imposed severe restrictions on aid delivery to the Gaza Strip. The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the only gateway in and out of the strip not controlled by Israel, has been subject to tight restrictions and multiple Israeli air strikes, creating a bottleneck of aid trucks at the border.
As of 21 October, limited humanitarian aid has been allowed to trickle through the crossing, with some aid allowed through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing in southern Gaza in late December. The crossing was closed again in January, amid Israeli protests blocking aid into the strip.