Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the hypocritical and deceitful moralizing statements of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who warned of possible long apartheid in Israel, AFP reported.

Referring to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict with the Gaza Strip, Le Drian said that the risk of apartheid is high without an independent Palestinian state next to Israel. 

Netanyahu expressed strong protest against the French government following Le Drian's outrageous remarks. 

The minister said Israel could become an apartheid state - a brazen, false statement that has no foundation, Netanyahu said.