David Ward could lose Lib Dem whip again, says party’s senior Jewish minister

“Obviously the party takes these matters very seriously. It won’t be tolerated. When that line is overstepped then I expect party officials to step in.”

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has called Mr Ward’s remarks “crass and insensitive”, but the party has repeatedly refused to take further disciplinary action.

During last summer's Gaza conflict Mr Ward tweeted: “The big question is - if I lived in #Gaza would I fire a rocket? - probably yes.”

Before Holocaust Memorial Day in 2013 he used the social media site to accuse “the Jews” of afflicting “atrocities on the Palestinians”.

Ms Featherstone warned that politicians must take greater care when making public statements to ensure they do not “aggravate situations”.

She also called for a “grown up” debate on efforts to forge peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and said both sides must recognise the level of concession that would be needed.

The Home Office minister said: “Looking backwards gets you nowhere. I’m critical of both sides. Every time there is an incident you are shouted at – that’s not terribly constructive.

"We should be able to have this debate, and say things about Israel and the West Bank or Gaza without the polarisation that happens around every mention of the Middle East.”