An Israeli minister has hit back at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's comments that Benjamin Netanyahu has "lost the plot," accusing him of being unable to comprehend the challenges of facing Hamas.
On Wednesday, Luxon described the war in Gaza as "utterly, utterly appalling" and Netanyahu was not listening to the international community.
"I think Netanyahu has gone way too far. I think he has lost the plot," Luxon said.
In a post on X, Israel's deputy minister of foreign affairs Sharren Haskel dismissed Luxon's concerns.
"I guess when you don't really need an army because your most deadly enemy is a possum or a cat, you wouldn't comprehend the challenges that come with facing Hamas - a jihadist death cult - only a few kms away from your country, that rape, execute, burn alive and starve your people," she wrote.
The comments were the strongest the prime minister has used yet against Netanyahu, but Luxon said his language had been consistent.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
"What you have seen is Israel not listening to the global community at all. We have asked for humanitarian assistance to be delivered unfettered. It hasn't happened," he said.
"We have said a forceable displacement of people and an annexation of Gaza would be a breach of international law. We have called these things out consistently, time and time again."
The government is currently considering whether to recognise Palestinian statehood, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next month.
Luxon on Thursday told reporters government parties were in agreement Hamas could play no part in a new Palestinian state.
"That's an absolute must," he said.
Luxon said when he commented on Netanyahu, he was expressing his personal view.
"Our position has been very clear - more military action and going into Gaza City in the way we saw in the last 48 hours - none of that is helping get to a peaceful and secure situation in the Middle East."
He pointed out he was the prime minister who designated Hamas a terrorist organisation.
At the same time Israel needed to allow unfettered aid, he said.
"We stand up for values ... we need to make sure Israel is complying with international obligations," Luxon said.
The situation in Gaza had "plumbed new depths", Luxon said.
He called the situation an "absolute catastrophe" and said New Zealand didn't want to see any forced displacement of Gazans and "we don't want to see an annexation of Gaza."
Canada, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom have also recently announced they will recognise, or plan to recognise, a Palestinian state.
The Green Party's foreign affairs spokesperson Teanau Tuiono said words were cheap, and people wanted to see action from the government.
"The government's really got to take some action and stop sitting on their hands. It's important that they recognise Palestine soon, and also sanction Israel."
The New Zealand Jewish Council said it was concerned recognising a Palestinian state without a comprehensive negotiated peace agreement might risk entrenching instability.
The council's president Juliet Moses said the council supported a two-state solution, but warned the government a "premature recognition" could undermine, rather than advance, the peace process.
"We acknowledge and welcome the government's stated support for the release of all Israeli hostages, the disarmament and removal from power of Hamas, and the normalisation of relations between Israel and the Palestinians. These are vital steps," Moses said.
"Recognising a Palestinian state without those conditions being met removes incentives for progress and does not explain what will happen if they are not achieved."
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