Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, sharply criticized Britain and France on May 9, 2026, after both countries called for an end to Israeli settler violence and land seizures in the occupied West Bank. In a post on social media platform X, Danon described their statements as “disappointing but not surprising,” accusing them of hypocrisy.

He argued that while the UK and France struggle to address domestic security challenges, they divert attention by focusing on issues in Judea and Samaria, the Israeli term for the West Bank. Danon also claimed that Jews in London and Paris fear walking the streets, yet those governments highlight “settler violence” and spread falsehoods about Israel.

Since the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel has built settlements across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, now home to more than 700,000 Israeli citizens. Despite repeated UN resolutions condemning the settlements, the United States has continued to shield Israel diplomatically, often using its veto power to block sanctions.