It’s being reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally phoned Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully prior to the Security Council vote on the resolution against Israeli settlements warning that a New Zealand vote would be a “declaration of war”.

That’s an over the top and disturbing threat.

Stuff: Israel warned New Zealand that UN resolution was ‘declaration of war’ – report

Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu personally phoned Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully to warn him a UN resolution New Zealand co-sponsored was a “declaration of war,” according to a report. Israeli publication Haaretz, citing unnamed western diplomats, reported that a “harsh” phone call took place between the Israeli Prime Minister and McCully on the day of the vote. “This is a scandalous decision. I’m asking that you not support it and not promote it,” Netanyahu reportedly told McCully. “If you continue to promote this resolution from our point of view it will be a declaration of war. It will rupture the relations and there will be consequences.” McCully reportedly refused to back down, according to Haaretz, telling Netanyahu the resolution was consistent with New Zealand policy on the dispute. McCully’s office have confirmed to Stuff that a phone call between the Minister and Netanyahu took place just before the vote. They refused to publicly comment on the content of the conversation.

Our Minister of Foreign Affairs shouldn’t comment on conversations with Prime Ministers.

It seems very inappropriate that Israel, presumably the Prime Minister’s office, should be leaking conversations like this to media.

Earlier this week McCully publicly said that Israel shouldn’t be surprised by New Zealand’s position. New Zealand has used its time on the Security Council to consistently called for a halt to settlements.

I wonder if Israel will declare war against the UK, Russia, France and China for voting for the resolution.