Bradford MP Mr Ward’s remark brought an avalanche of criticism from rivals.
Treasury minister David Gauke rounded on him by demanding: “In firing your rockets into Israel, how many Jews would you hope to kill?”
Labour called the tweet “crass and irresponsible” while Tory chairman Grant Shapps called on the MP to withdraw the “vile” remark.
Mr Ward was suspended from the party whip for several weeks last year after a string of controversial comments about Israel and Jews. In a follow-up tweet last night, he declared “Ich bin ein #palestinian”.
Earlier today he defended the tweet and told the Evening Standard he had “no idea” why there was such criticism.
“I’m not quite sure what I have done wrong,” he said. “I am not saying I would do it. I have called for a ceasefire many times, and I have criticised both sides for using military force.”
