Israel’s Foreign Minister Says He Hopes Corbyn Loses British Election

Israel's foreign minister said on Thursday that he hopes Jeremy Corbyn loses next week's British election, citing allegations of anti-Semitism buffeting the Labour Party leader.

"I won't meddle in internal elections but I personally hope that he won't be elected, with this whole wave of anti-Semitism…I hope the other side wins," Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz told Israeli Army Radio.

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Asked whether Corbyn's election could impair cooperation between Israel and the United Kingdom, Katz answered that leaders don't "dismiss or harm the interests of their own country," adding however that Israel "will discuss things if they happen."

Labour Party spokesmen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Corbyn, a veteran campaigner for Palestinian rights, has been dogged by criticism from members, lawmakers and Jewish leaders that he has failed to tackle anti-Semitism in the party despite a promise to do so.