Israeli embassy declines to release its letter

The Israeli embassy has declined to release the letter it says was sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs which it expected to lead to a meeting between the departing ambassador and President Michael D Higgins.

The embassy said such a move was not possible because it regarded correspondence with the Government to be confidential.

The comments follow a diplomatic squall over allegations the Áras failed to arrange a courtesy farewell meeting between departing ambassador Boaz Modai and the President.