Israeli envoy can expect to see more protests

WHILE the Israeli ambassador makes clear his indignation at your report of a protest against his prime minister at Shannon, his letter (November 20) still requires some interpretation.

Facts, in Zion Evrony’s lexicon, are not what Israel attempted to hide from journalists when it excluded them from the Gaza Strip during Operation Cast Lead. Facts are what journalists should phone the Israeli embassy to get.

The label “extremist” does not apply to those who commit war crimes, restrict medical aid and basic food items and continue to embargo the cement and glass needed for the reconstruction of the thousands of homes they have destroyed.

No, according to the ambassador, extremists are Irish people who peacefully protest against these things.

“Negotiations” are how Mahmoud Abbas might pass the time amusing Benjamin Netanyahu while Israel carries on evicting Palestinians from their homes in occupied East Jerusalem and expanding its illegal settlements. Palestinians who object to this arrangement are “stalling”.

Unfortunately for Mr Evrony, more and more people can see that negotiations involving a state that can act with impunity will always be a charade, and that achieving respect for international law and human rights requires external pressure. The Israeli ambassador can therefore expect to be enraged by further protests and by increasing support for boycott, divestment and sanctions.

Michael Breen

Knocknagree

Mallow

Co Cork