An SNP MSP who was stripped of the party whip following an “utterly abhorrent” social media post about the Israel-Hamas conflict has said he stands by his remark.
John Mason has been effectively expelled from the party after posting on X: “If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed ten times as many.”
The Glasgow Shettleston MSP made the comment amid a row over a meeting with Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK, Daniela Grudsky.
Israel has strongly denied accusations of genocide.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Mason said: “It’s never my intention to upset people, but I’m not afraid of upsetting people in the sense of if I think something important needs to be said.”
The politician said he’d considered the conflict “over time” so it “wasn’t a new thought”.
He added: “It’s the point of, you know, if Israel actually wanted to commit genocide, it would be a lot worse than it is. I think it’s a valid point, and I stand by that.”
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SNP MSPs will meet to discuss a potential fixed suspension for Mr Mason when the Scottish parliament reconvenes next month.
The withdrawal of the whip means he must sit as an independent MSP until it is restored.
The SNP branded the comment “utterly abhorrent”.
Mr Mason said: “I am disappointed because I’m SNP to the core.
“I’ve been representing the party for 26 years or thereabouts, so yes, that’s always going to be disappointing. But it’s not the end of the world.”
Mr Mason said “one or two” SNP colleagues had been in touch to offer support.
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Mr Mason said despite negativity aimed at him on social media, his emails have been “overwhelmingly positive”.
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The incident with Mr Mason came amid criticism over a Scottish government meeting with Israeli diplomat Ms Grudsky.
The meeting earlier this month came to light after Ms Grudsky posted a picture on X with External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson.
First Minister John Swinney claimed it was “necessary” and allowed his government to directly put across the need for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.
Mr Mason also met with Ms Grudsky during her stay in Scotland and shared a picture online which led to him writing the post that has seen him lose the party whip.
Mr Mason said he told Ms Grudsky that at some point Israel will have to resolve the conflict.
He said: “In any of these situations, the same is going to be true in Ukraine and Russia, eventually you have to sit down and talk.”
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Mr Mason also defended Mr Robertson’s decision to meet Ms Grudsky.
He said: “That’s Angus’ job, it’s his role. I think it’s absolutely right and he should meet other people.”
He added: “I would prefer Scotland, and the UK for that matter, to be really promoting peace, really speaking to both sides, really being a trusted friend.”
