The section on the war in Lebanon said that Hezbollah fired 4,000 rockets into northern Israeli cities, killing 40 civilians and injuring 2,000 more. “We remain deeply concerned by Syria’s ongoing support for Hezbollah,” the 355-page report added.

But the document made no mention of Israel’s actions. It has faced widespread condemnation for its bombardment of southern Lebanon and the Shia Muslim southern suburbs of Beirut, where nearly 1,200 Lebanese were killed.

The report does show a photograph of a woman picking through the remains of her home in Beirut, but does not explain who destroyed it.

Amnesty International, which has accused both sides of war crimes, demanded that the FCO be more “evenhanded”. The Foreign Office said that the war came too late to be dealt with comprehensively and that Israel’s part would be covered next year.

Times Recommends

• Michael Jackson: Not the final chapter
• Indian Army spends10m rupees on golf buggies
• Brüno toned down for 15 rating