Sky News’s Middle East correspondent has sparked widespread condemnation over a tweet which blamed “Jewish hate” incidents in the UK on Israel and which appears to contravene the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

In response to a tweet suggesting that “unbalanced reporting” on the Middle East was resulting in rising antisemitism in Britain, and Jewish children having to “hide who they are”, Mark Stone wrote: “I am so sorry your children have to hide. Unacceptable.

“It’s interesting that so many *Israelis* tell me that the ‘Jew hatred’ you experience is actually the consequence of the current Israeli government’s policies; their prolongation of an untenable occupation.”

The IHRA definition says “holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the state of Israel” is antisemitic.

Jonathan Goldstein, chair or the Jewish Leadership Council, described Mr Stone’s comment as “truly outrageous and unacceptable.”

Under Ofcom broadcasting regulations, Mr Stone is obliged to remain impartial in his reporting. 

Two hours later, after being widely condemned for his tweet, Mr Stone deleted it and then apologised, saying: “I’m very sorry if my last Tweet suggested that antisemitism is in anyway imagined or that it exists because of the actions of the Israeli government. It is not and it does not. 

“I was pointing out that some Israelis I have spoken to do feel the actions of their government is damaging the image of the State of Israel and fuelling anti-Jewish sentiment. 

“These are not my views; they are those of people I have spoken to in my reporting from Israel. I am sorry.” 

Reacting to the tweet, Lord Ian Austin said: "It is completely unacceptable for a senior broadcaster at an organisation with a responsibility for impartiality and accuracy to blame the victims of antisemitism for the racism they are subjected to instead of the racists responsible, offer excuses for racism and hold Jewish people collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli Government.

"Sky need to look at his urgently and ensure accurate and even-handed coverage and commentary in future."