Heads of Delegation for relations with Israel condemn declaration by Martina Anderson

The Chair and the Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the State of Israel strongly condemn the recent declaration by Martina Anderson MEP

The Chair and the Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the State of Israel strongly condemn the recent declaration by MEP Martina Anderson, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Palestine, who said Israelis were “like a rash” and called Israeli lobbyists 'pervasive'.

MEPs Fulvio Martusciello and Bastiaan Belder said these statements are entirely false, discriminatory, insulting and inflammatory. This behaviour does not comply with the highest ethical standards and is damaging to the reputation of the European Parliament, in line with Articles 1 and 2 of the Code of Conduct for Members.

"We call on MEP Martina Anderson not to use insulting hate speech and damage the dignity and reputation of the European Parliament in her capacity as the Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Palestine.

At a time when efforts are undertaken to restart the Middle East Peace Process, it is essential to do our utmost to facilitate a positive environment of trust and mutual respect between Israelis and Palestinians

Especially at a time when efforts are undertaken to restart the Middle East Peace Process, it is essential to do our utmost to facilitate a positive environment of trust and mutual respect between Israelis and Palestinians. Making false, dishonest and anti-semitic statements go entirely against the public interest, the Parliament’s reputation and the goals of the Middle East Peace Process.

We call on the President of the European Parliament to act accordingly in order to guarantee and uphold the highest standards of conduct for MEPs and to protect the good name of the Institution we represent.

We take this opportunity to convey our sympathy and solidarity to all those being targeted and insulted by MEP Anderson.

On behalf of the Delegation for relations with the State of Israel, we reiterate our belief in treating others with respect and dignity and offer our hand to all those who wish to promote mutual understanding and fight discrimination, including anti-semitism, in Europe, the Middle East and the world. We furthermore support the Israeli diplomats’ work to promote better understanding of their country in the European Parliament and further strengthen EU-Israel relations."