A full page advert in today’s Guardian calling for an academic boycott of Israel has drawn a furious response from Jewish organisations and diplomats.

The advert was backed by by 343 university teachers and lecturers, from 72 institutions including Oxford University and Cambridge University.

They said they would refuse to work with Israeli universities, describing them as “deeply complicit” with alleged Israeli violations of international law.

Britain’s ambassador in Israel, David Quarrey, said the British government “firmly opposes” the call to boycott Israel.

Mr Quarrey said: “We are deeply committed to promoting the UK’s academic and scientific ties with Israel, as part of the flourishing partnership between the two countries.

“The reality is one of rapidly strengthening trade and tech links between Britain and Israel.

“As David Cameron has said, the UK government will never allow those who want to boycott Israel to shut down 60 years worth of vibrant exchange and partnership that does so much to make both our countries stronger.”

His comments were supported by the Israeli Embassy in London, which said the advert would only help to “sow hatred” and “slow the peace process".

Spokesperson Yiftah Curiel said: “Those calling to boycott Israelis during a month of 45 stabbing attacks - in which over a hundred Israelis were injured and 10 were murdered - exhibit an especially callous disregard for Israeli lives and for the conditions necessary for peace.

“Divisive boycott initiatives such as this one serve only to sow hatred, alienating the sides rather than promoting coexistence.

“Progress toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians will be made in the negotiating room; Israel has repeatedly called to renew negotiations immediately and with no preconditions.”

Simon Johnson, Jewish Leadership Council chief executive, condemned the letter, calling it both “divisive” and “discriminatory” and said the signatories had “double standards”.

He said: “It is ironic that the signatories in the Guardian have ignored Universities UK who earlier this year invested time and effort to oppose academic boycotts.

“They have also ignored their colleagues from over 30 universities who have actively engaged, through BIRAX, in scientific cooperation with researchers in Israeli institutions, as well as the calls of the 150 writers, artists and musicians who last week promoted the benefits of continuing dialogue with Israel.”

The boycott was launched after a pro-Israel initiative was backed by 150 writers, artists and musicians including Harry Potter author JK Rowling last week. They had signed a statement that opposed the boycott of Israel.

Signatories of the anti-Israel Academic Commitment have vowed to never visit the country, and said they would not co-operate with or refer people to Israeli academic institutions.

Mr Johnson said: “It seems that once again those who wish to improve the situation in the middle-east have looked for publicity rather than creating inclusive academic debate which will benefit society as a whole.

“These academics should realise that boycotts are divisive and discriminatory and do nothing to advance peace or improve the lives of Palestinians. The double standards here are evident and cannot lead to any real progress on the issue.”

Board of Deputies senior vice-president Richard Verber questioned the motives of the advert's signatories.

He said: “We would ask why these academics are singling out Israel in such a discriminatory fashion?

“At a time of immense, often barbaric upheaval in other parts of the Middle East, Israel remains a beacon of academic excellence and progressive thinking, with women, minorities and LGBT people at the forefront of many initiatives.

“It is telling that these academics have nothing to say about the recent wave of terror directed towards Israeli citizens nor the incitement of Hamas and Fatah.

“In the complex conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, boycotting either side will lead to zero progress. Their energy would be much better spent encouraging academic dialogue and relations between like-minded Israelis and Palestinians who believe in a brighter future.”

Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism Laura Janner-Klausner said academic boycotts are "detrimental to peace efforts between Palestinians and Israelis."

Rabbi Janner-Klausner added: "Stamping out academic dialogue is a divisive tactic. Discriminatory boycotts such as this cement different sides of the conflict. What the region now desperately needs is a movement of supporters towards peace and a two state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live in security, peace and dignity.”