Israeli ambassador criticised after withdrawing from Oireachtas hearing

THE Israeli ambassador to Ireland has been heavily criticised after withdrawing from an Oireachtas committee hearing today into the flotilla raid in which nine people were killed.

It comes as a source at the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the likely expulsion of an Israeli embassy official over the use of forged Irish passports in an assassination in Dubai.

The ambassador, Dr Zion Evrony, had agreed earlier this week to attend an emergency meeting of the cross-party Committee on Foreign Affairs to discuss the Israeli raid of the aid flotilla heading for Gaza.

TDs at the meeting will instead hear from released Irish activist Shane Dillon, one of the people who had been aboard the flotilla.

The chairman of the committee, Fianna Fáil TD Michael Woods, criticised the ambassador’s “last minute volta face” and said it was “most disappointing”.

“Unforeseen circumstances” was the only reason offered for the withdrawal.

The Israeli embassy said the ambassador had stated in writing that he was ready to reschedule his appearance at a mutually convenient date.

The ambassador’s withdrawal came as it emerged separately that Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin is expected to recommend the expulsion of an Israeli embassy official over the forged passports controversy.

Six forged Irish passports were used by suspects believed to have been involved with the killing of Hamas chief Mahmoud al Mabhouh in Dubai in January.

Mr Martin confirmed that he would bring “proposals” to Cabinet shortly on how to deal with the issue.

He would not spell out what these proposals were, but a department source confirmed that the expulsion of an official from the Israeli embassy in Dublin was on the cards.

Mr Martin and Taoiseach Brian Cowen are anxious to separate the issue from the flotilla raid controversy.

Both men also urged Israel to show “maximum restraint” towards the last vessel in the flotilla, the Rachel Corrie, which continues to make its way towards Gaza. Mr Martin admitted Israel was offering no guarantees on the issue.

The Irish-owned vessel was 500 miles from Gaza last night. Skipper Derek Graham said the cargo ship would arrive late on Friday or early Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, a number of Irish activists deported from Israel yesterday are expected to arrive home by air this morning.