No surprise at Israeli envoy’s political interference

Israeli diplomat Shai Masot as filmed by al-Jezeera’s undercover investigation. ‘I doubt whether Alan Duncan or anyone else critical of Israel will be surprised to learn of Shai Masot’s activities,’ writes Karen Barrett. Photograph: Al-Jazeera

I doubt whether Alan Duncan or anyone else critical of Israel will be surprised to learn of Shai Masot’s activities (Envoy plotted to set up pro-Israel political party groups, 9 January). One would have to be extremely naive not to recognise that so much of the negative reporting of any pro-Palestine stance is the result of a powerful Israeli propaganda effort. This has resulted in the deliberate misrepresentation of any criticism of Israel as antisemitism, even when it comes from Jewish individuals and organisations.

It has also enabled the denigration, whether motivated by malice or ignorance, of any politician who dares to support organisations like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign or Jews For Justice. As a member of the Labour party, I support its call for an investigation “into improper interference in our democratic politics” and would also support the suspension of the Conservative and Labour Friends of Israel groups, whose independence and credibility appear to have been undermined by these latest revelations.
Karen Barratt
Winchester

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