EU condemns anti-Semitic attacks after attempted firebombing on Swedish synagogue

EU condemns anti-Semitic attacks after attempted firebombing on Swedish synagogue
European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini has denounced recent anti-Semitic attacks on the continent as she met Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
2 min read
11 December, 2017
Neyanyahu has met with EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini in Brussels [Anadolu]
European Union diplomatic head Federica Mogherini has condemned "all attacks on Jews everywhere in the world", as she met Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Brussels.

Her comments come following heightened tensions in Israel after last week's announcement that the US embassy will move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, while a synagogue in Sweden was firebombed on Saturday.

"Let me condemn in the strongest possible way all attacks on Jews everywhere in the world, including in Europe, and on Israel and on Israeli citizens," Mogherini said.

Netanyahu's visit to Europe comes after a worldwide backlash to the US declaration that it recognises contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

European countries and the EU condemned the announcement while protests erupted worldwide, particularly in the occupied West Bank where clashes broke out between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces.

The EU has called for a two-state solution and east Jerusalem to be made the capital of a Palestinian state.

"[The] worst thing that can happen now is an escalation of tensions, of violence," Mogherini added.

Nentanyahu earlier described Europe's criticisms of the Jerusalem move - which the Israeli government backs - as hypocritical.

The right-wing leader has also attacked perceived anti-Semitism in Europe and been angered by the EU's criticism of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

On Sunday morning, three people were arrested in connection with the attempted firebombing of a Gothenburg synagogue this weekend.

Netanyahu has also met French President Emmanuel Macron who has described the US move as a "threat to peace".

Agencies contributed to this story.