Lee says criticism of Israel stemmed from concerns over Koreans' rights, sovereignty

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday defended his criticism of Israel, saying he could not remain silent when the sovereignty of the country and the rights of South Koreans were at stake.

"If it concerns the human rights and sovereignty of the people of the Republic of Korea, I cannot simply overlook it," Lee said during a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae marking the first anniversary of his inauguration.

The president said that respect for national sovereignty, universal human rights and internat ...