The sharply worded threat came after Israeli Energy Minister Karine Elharrar, who suffers from muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, was unable to attend Monday’s session.
According to an official traveling with the Prime Minister’s delegation to Scotland, Israeli officials tried to get Minister Elharrar to the COP scene for two hours on Monday, but “because it was not fully wheelchair accessible, efforts failed and the minister did not could enter. ”
“A formal complaint has been issued by the Prime Minister’s Office to the COP organizers in this regard. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that if Minister Karine Elharar is unable to attend tomorrow, she will not attend,” the statement added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who is not part of the delegation, tweeted: “It is impossible to protect our future and address the climate crisis without caring for people in the first place, including ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.”
British Ambassador to Tel Aviv Neil Wigan quickly apologized.
“It bothers me when I hear that [Karine Elharrar] could not attend meetings at COP26. I sincerely and deeply apologize to the Minister. We want a COP summit that is welcome and inclusive for all, ”he tweeted.
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