Austrian president accuses Israel of "war crimes": Sa'ar's harsh response and the criticism it drew

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen accused Israel of committing war crimes in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded harshly, calling on the president to "be ashamed." Diplomatic sources in Jerusalem criticized the severity of Sa'ar's response toward the president of a friendly country.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen accused Israel of committing war crimes during a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Van der Bellen said that the illegal settlements and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank fall under this definition. He added that the Netanyahu government is moving in "dangerous territory" that will not benefit it in the long run, but emphasized Israel's right to exist. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded harshly on X, calling on the president to "be ashamed" and reminding him of Austria's crimes against the Jewish people. He described the president's words as "abhorrent nonsense." Senior diplomatic sources in Jerusalem criticized Sa'ar, saying one cannot lash out at the president of a friendly country in such a manner. An Israeli official familiar with the relations described a decline in Austria's status as a vocal ally of Israel. The president of the Jewish community in Austria, Oskar Deutsch, responded in a more measured tone, noting that Van der Bellen is a true friend, but his words are serious due to his disregard for the existential threat to Israel. The Austrian Chancellor's office distanced itself from the president's remarks and emphasized Austria's special responsibility toward Israel.