The Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, two of the largest news agencies in the world, have been heavily criticised for publishing a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a pose that echoes a Nazi salute.

The photos were taken of the Israeli leader addressing the United Nations yesterday, his left arm raised in what looks like a “heil Hitler” salute.

Abraham Foxman, Director of the New York-based hate-monitor the Anti Defamation League, told The Daily Caller. “I think it is ugly, disgusting, offensive.”

A spokesperson from AP defended the decision to publish the photos, saying they were “among a wide variety of Prime Minister Netanyahu during his speech - 27 in all - that were taken and distributed by AP”.