Malta Condemns: Far-Right Israeli Minister’s ‘Burn Lebanon’ Remarks Spark Local Protest

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St George’s Square, locals and tourists alike were left stunned last week. They weren’t witnessing a typical street performance or political rally, but a group of Maltese-Israelis protesting against a far-right Israeli minister’s inflammatory remarks. The minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, had declared, “All of Lebanon must burn.”

From Tel Aviv to Valletta: A Wave of Outrage

Ben-Gvir’s comments, made during a rally in Tel Aviv, quickly spread across the globe, sparking outrage from Lebanon and beyond. In Malta, the local Israeli community was swift to condemn the remarks. “We’re Maltese first, Israeli second,” said Sarah Cohen, a Maltese-Israeli protester at the Valletta gathering. “We don’t stand for this kind of rhetoric.”

Malta’s Diplomatic Stance

Malta’s Foreign Affairs Ministry was quick to respond, issuing a statement that condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks. “Such statements are not only inflammatory but also contravene the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter,” the statement read. This wasn’t the first time Malta has had to address Israeli political rhetoric. In 2018, then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat criticized Israeli Minister Ayelet Shaked’s comparison of Palestinians to snakes.

Local Voices: Beyond the Headlines

Back in Valletta, the protest was a chance for the Maltese-Israeli community to make their voice heard. “We’re here to show that not all Israelis support this kind of talk,” said David Levy, another protester. “We believe in peace, not war.” The protest also drew support from local politicians, including Opposition MP Jason Azzopardi, who tweeted, “Peace is the only way forward. Hate speech has no place in our region.”