Martin rules out sanctions on Israel

THE Minister for Foreign Affairs has ruled out pushing for sanctions against Israel and also warned against Irish citizens joining up with any future Gaza-bound aid flotilla led by Israel’s enemies.

During a marathon debate on EU agreements with Israel and human rights abuses against Palestinians, Micheál Martin yesterday told TDs that he wanted to leave a door open with Tel Aviv for discussions.

Israeli ambassador Zion Evrony also attended the lengthy Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs hearing and claimed that in fighting extremist Palestinians his country was fighting Europe’s war against terrorism.