Coveney: Comments made by Israeli ambassador aimed at President Higgins 'unhelpful' 

Simon Coveney: 'For me, it is frustrating when public figures and elected officials repeat misinformation.' Picture: Damien Storan

Comments by the Israeli ambassador aimed at President Michael D Higgins were "unhelpful", Simon Coveney has said.

Mr Coveney, a former foreign affairs minister, was reacting to an interview in a Sunday newspaper where Dana Erlich said she believed the effect of the President's comments was "inflammatory" and Israel was not breaking international law in Gaza.

"We know the President's position and we know he holds this topic very closely," the ambassador said.

"For me, it is frustrating when public figures and elected officials repeat misinformation. And this is misinformation. Because announcing beforehand — that is not breaking, that is in accordance with international law.

"We want to make sure that there are as few civilian casualties as possible. And I think we all have a responsibility, especially at this time.” 

However, speaking to RTÉ radio on Monday, Mr Coveney said such comments do not help.

He said President Higgins "is somebody who for many years has taken an interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". 

"He, like many others in Ireland, is deeply concerned about what is currently unfolding in Gaza. I've been to Gaza on numerous occasions as a foreign minister and I was one of the most vocal foreign ministers in the European Union on the Palestinian issue for many years. I also have a good relationship, I hope, with Israel.

"But I don't think it's helpful when an ambassador starts to, to make pointed comments in relation to our presidents. I think Michael D Higgins has reflected the view of many in Ireland. 

"And the Government's position on this is that we unreservedly condemn the atrocity that Hamas is responsible for in terms of the killing of 1,400 innocent Israelis. 

"But we are also deeply concerned about what continues to unfold in terms of human suffering in Gaza. We want a ceasefire, and we want humanitarian aid corridors open and Ireland will continue to advocate for that at the European level and at the UN level."