Scarfe sorry over 'unfortunate' timing of Netanyahu cartoon

Cartoonist Gerald Scarfe has issued an explanation following the outcry over his drawing of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu in this week's Sunday Times.

Mr Scarfe, who on Monday told the Jewish Chronicle that he had not been aware that the offending image would be published on Holocaust Memorial Day, denied accusations of antisemitism but apologised "for the very unfortunate timing".

He said in a statement on his personal website that he had been stupidly completely unaware” that it would be printed on HMD.

"I am not, and never have been, antisemitic," said the cartoonist, who is best known for designing a Pink Floyd album cover. "The Sunday Times has given me the freedom of speech over the last 46 years to criticise world leaders for what I see as their wrong-doings.