Southport Conservative Leader Councillor Mike Prendergast has criticised Sefton Council over their failure to fly the Israeli national flag over Southport and Bootle town halls.
Central government had invited local government buildings to fly the flag in a show of support until 8pm on Monday after Hamas militants crossed the border to launch a surprise attack in Israel on Saturday.
Nearly 3,000 people have died during the initial attack and retaliatory strikes.
The Israeli flag has not appeared on either Southport or Bootle town halls since the attack.
Councillor Prendergast said, “I am extremely disappointed with the failure of Sefton Council, to make any kind of statement or any visible show of support for Israel and our Jewish community in Sefton.
“An unprecedented, appalling terrorist attack has been perpetrated by Hamas, a terrorist organisation, against Israel. Throughout the UK, as a visible symbol of support, many Town Halls have flown the Israeli flag and have been lit up in blue and white.
“Over the last few days, since the attack, Sefton Council have found time on their social media channels to post a video about a skatepark in Bootle, promote the Sefton Design Awards, promote the Mayor of Sefton’s Diva Night as well as advertise The Lake House in Waterloo as a wedding venue.
“I don’t think it is too much to ask for the borough to also show some support and solidarity for the victims of a heinous terrorist attack. I first requested the flying of the Israeli flag at Southport and Bootle Town Halls on Sunday, the only response I have received is to say we haven’t got a flag and couldn’t get one, which is a pretty feeble excuse.
“Sefton Council have not done anything or made any kind of statement. I think this is, quite frankly, shameful and I urge the Labour leadership of Sefton Council to make some kind of statement condemning the terrorist attacks and showing solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community in Sefton, many of whom may have been directly affected by what has happened.
“As Leader of the Conservative Group on Sefton Council I want to put on record my condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attacks in Israel and our support for the Israeli people and the right they have to self-defence.
“We think it is of vital importance that Sefton Council makes a very public statement of its support for Israel and our Jewish community and makes it clear that we totally and utterly condemn the actions of Hamas, a terrorist organisation banned here in the UK.”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We condemn all attacks of this nature and our thoughts are with everyone affected at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are strong supporters of the Jewish community, as we are with all communities represented in our borough, and just this week we saw the launch of a Jewish living experience exhibition where Sefton schoolchildren have the opportunity to learn about Judaism.
“We hope a peaceful resolution can be found soon to prevent any more loss of life.”
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