Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands Summoned for Inquiry After Remarks Against Ministers

In depth

Israel's ambassador to the Netherlands, Tzvi Avner Pni, has been summoned to Israel for an inquiry after he spoke out against government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the ambassador described their remarks as "shocking and unacceptable" and added: "I have no desire at all to defend them." The Foreign Ministry said the ambassador was being called back to Israel immediately for an inquiry.

The ambassador also addressed extremists in Judea and Samaria, calling them "Jewish terrorists" and noting that their place is in prison. In his words, "Among us there are people we would prefer were not with us."

The interview caused a diplomatic storm, and the ambassador was recalled to Israel for an inquiry by the Foreign Ministry.