How Netanyahu's diplomatic relations with the UK, France and Canada became strained

The past five days have seen a major shift in the UK's diplomatic relations with Israel - and for France and Canada.

Spurred on by a statement from the three countries on Monday and then exacerbated by the killing of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington on Wednesday, it has been a busy week.

Here's how relations between Jerusalem, London, Paris and Ottawa have fluctuated this week:

Statement by Starmer, Macron and Carney

As Israel's blockade of aid allowed into Gaza threatened to enter its 12th week, the United Kingdom joined France and Canada, all three of Israel's allies, in condemning the restrictions.

In a joint statement on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney promised "concrete action" if Israel did not halt its latest military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

We will not stand idly by while the Netanyahu government pursues these ugly actions. If Israel does not halt its renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete action in response.

Joint statement, May 19

A day later, David Lammy, the UK foreign secretary, suspended trade talks with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador in London to the Foreign Office, telling MPs that "Netanyahu's actions have made this necessary."

Netanyahu responds

After two Israeli embassy employees were killed in Washington DC on Wednesday evening and the suspect shouted "Free, free Palestine" as he was arrested, the Israeli leader said the killings were the result of "incitement against the state of Israel."

He went on to launch a scathing attack on Starmer, Macron and Carney - saying they had "in fact said they wanted Hamas to stay in power".

He also accused the three leaders of supporting “mass murderers, rapists, infanticide and kidnappers.” All three countries quickly denounced the killings in Washington.

"I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer, when mass murderers, rapists, infanticide and kidnappers thank you, you are on the wrong side of justice. You are on the wrong side of humanity and you are on the wrong side of history."

Benjamin Netanyahu, May 22

An Israeli minister, Amichai Chikli, said Starmer and other leaders had "encouraged the forces of terror".

This morning, the UK's armed forces minister, Luke Pollard, told Sky News that he condemned the killings in Washington but rejected Netanyahu's strong criticism of the UK prime minister (see 9am post).