Michael D Higgins criticises Von der Leyen's comments on Israel

President says head of European Commission 'wasn't speaking for Ireland'

President Michael D Higgins has strongly criticised the head of the European Commission for comments she made on a trip to Israel last week.

The President has strongly criticised the head of the European Commission for comments she made on a trip to Israel last week.

Ursula von der Leyen had paid a visit to Israel last week alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in response to an incursion by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people where she said that "how Israel responds will show that it is a democracy".