SIR – For Karl Dallas to describe Israel as a fascist state (T&A, July 2) is utterly absurd. Israel is the only real democracy in the Middle East, with free and independent political parties and trade unions, a vibrant free press and freedom of expression in the arts.

Gays and lesbians also stage an annual Gay Pride event. Nowhere in the Arab world are gay men and lesbians allowed to stage such events; the press is often state controlled, political parties are vetted and freedom of expression is severely restricted.

In a fascist society there’s no real democracy, no free press, and independent political parties and trade unions are simply not allowed. Although there isn’t a perfect democracy anywhere on the planet, Israel comes as close to any other in the Western world.

This is just the latest vilification of Israel, in line with many others on the Left, who continuously work to delegitimise Israel thereby giving moral support to the likes of Hamas and other Islamic terror gangs in the region.

Alan O’Day Scott, Idlecroft Road, Bradford