Ambassadors summoned

Four European countries have summoned their Israeli ambassadors over its latest settlement construction push, deepening the rift between the Jewish state and allies.

Although Europe considers all Israeli settlement construction illegal, the summoning of ambassadors in France, Britain, Sweden and Spain to accuse Israel of undermining already troubled peace efforts was an unusually strong expression of displeasure.

There was fury over Israel’s announcement on Friday that it would move ahead on plans to build 3,000 settler homes in territories Israel captured in 1967.