UK Minister of State criticises Israel

It’s been a strange weekend.

Dr Kim Howells (Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) criticised Israel's bombardment of Lebanon while on a visit to Beirut. It was strange because he is former Chairman of Labour Friends of Israel.

He broke with the UK Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary's less critical line, saying:

“The destruction of the infrastructure, the death of so many children and so many people. These have not been surgical strikes. And it's very difficult, I think, to understand the kind of military tactics that have been used. You know, if they're chasing Hezbollah, then go for Hezbollah. You don't go for the entire Lebanese nation.”

I wonder how long he will remain in his present job or maybe it’s a change of heart by the Blair government? It’s a positive start so well done Mr Howells.