New Delhi, June 03: Israel on Wednesday tried to avert a diplomatic row by terming as a “ regrettable error” the bracketing of India with Pakistan and other violence- hit countries by its foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman at the UN. Under fire for attacking an aid flotilla, Lieberman had told UN secretary- general Ban Ki- moon that while its action was being condemned, there was no such word on “ 500 people being killed in various incidents in India, Pakistan, Thailand, Afghanistan and Iraq”. The statement was unusual given the defence, economic and counter- terror ties that New Delhi and Tel Aviv share since diplomatic ties were established in the 1990s.
It was also the first time that Israel dragged India into a controversy.
New Delhi had on Monday condemned the Israeli attack on the aid flotilla to the Gaza Strip saying there was no justification for indiscriminate use of force.
Indian envoy to Israel Navtej Sarna reportedly discussed Lieberman’s statement with Israeli authorities. The foreign ministry is also looking into the matter and might seek a clarification from the Israeli embassy in Delhi.
Realising that the issue could escalate into a full- blown diplomatic crisis, the Israeli embassy went into an immediate damage control mode. A statement from the embassy spokesperson said: “ The reference to India in the statement on the discussion between Lieberman and Ban Kimoon was inadvertent, and has been removed from the official ( Israeli) ministry of foreign affairs internet site. Israel greatly values the friendship and strength of relations with India.” Israeli ambassador to India Mark Sofer described Lieberman’s comments as a regrettable error. “ Israel does not see India in a same light as it sees its enemies.
India is a close friend for whom we have greatest of respect,” Sofer said.
“ Israel listened to everything India has to say on the Middle- East. Israel stands hook, line and sinker behind India in its struggle in South Asia… we are taking this up to make sure that any misunderstanding risen out of this error of this nature will no longer be there,” Sofer added.
Sources in the Centre, however, described the comments as unwarranted.
“ Our stand on Israeli action was based on an incident in international waters. But Lieberman referred to internal matters of India.” a senior official said.
ANOTHER FLASHPOINT?
Israel is facing another potentially explosive confrontation at sea as pro- Palestinian activists sent two more boats to challenge its blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Reports in Israel claimed the navy is prepared to use even more force to stop ships from breaking the blockade. Turkey is reported to be considering sending a naval escort for the boats.
This would arrive in the region at the end of the week, creating a potential flashpoint for a clash between the nations.
Israel , meanwhile, bowed to world pressure and began deporting activists it seized in the ship raid.
—Agencies