Israel Labour party suspends ties with Corbyn over 'anti-Semitism'

Israel's Labour party said today it was suspending relations with British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, accusing him of showing hostility to the Jewish community and allowing anti-Semitic statements and actions.

Israeli Labour leader Avi Gabbay sent a letter to Corbyn informing him of the decision. The suspension applies only to Corbyn's office and not the party as a whole, it said.

Both Gabbay and Corbyn are in the opposition in their respective countries.

"It is my responsibility to acknowledge the hostility that you have shown to the Jewish community and the anti-Semitic statements and actions you have allowed as leader of the Labour Party UK," Gabbay wrote.

"This is in addition to your very public hatred of the policies of the government of the state of Israel, many of which regard the security of our citizens and actions of our soldiers -- policies where the opposition and coalition in Israel are aligned."