'A shame.' Ayalon
Photo: Dudi Vaaknin
Israel considers recalling its ambassador to Sweden
Following Swedish counterpart's remarks in support of UN report claiming Israeli forces committed war crimes in Gaza, Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon says Jerusalem must reexamine relations with Stockholm
Israel is considering recalling its ambassador to Stockholm in light of Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt's remarks in support of a UN report claiming war crimes were committed by both sides during the Israel-Hamas Gaza conflict.
UN Report
Associated Press
Stockholm's foreign minister urges UN human rights council to discuss report probing Gaza war despite expressed reservations as to its credibility
Bildt told reporters in Stockholm Thursday that South African jurist Richard Goldstone, who headed the investigation into the war, is a person with "high credibility" and "high integrity" and that his report carries weight.
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon called to re-examine Israel's relations with Sweden.
"It is a shame that a person who refused to respond to the blood libel against Israel has come out in praise of this unprofessional report," Ayalon told Ynet Thursday evening.
The deputy FM was referring to a report published by Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, which accused the IDF of harvesting Palestinian organs.
"Most of the EU countries have renounced the report," he added.
However, Ayalon said the decision on recalling Ambassador Benny Dagan would not be reached right away. "We must examine why Israel is being attacked by the Swedes," he said.
A source at the ministry said, "The remarks by the Swedish minister, whose country holds rotating presidency, do not represent the policy of the EU and especially not regarding the Goldstone report. The Quartet has also dismissed the report."
Bildt also told Swedish Radio that Israel made "a mistake" by not cooperating with the probe, which he called "independent" and "serious."
