Israel has rejected EU criticism of its seizure of humanitarian aid intended for Palestinians and said European diplomats delivering the items had violate the law.
‘’Israel rejects the one sided announcement which was published by the spokespersons of High Representative Ashton and ‘EU Humanitarian Aid) Commissioner Georgieva regarding the events in the Northern Jordan Valley,’’ the Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson said.
On Saturday, the two EU officials deplored ''the confiscation of humanitarian assistance carried out by Israeli security forces in Khirbet al-Makhul'' and said they contacted the Israeli authorities to demand an explanation and expresse their concern at the incident.
The EU statement was issued after an altercation that took place between EU diplomats and Israeli soldiers on Friday. The incident occurred following an illegal attempt by Palestinians and foreign activists, including European diplomats, to erect tents. Israeli soldiers responded to the site with the intent to implement a standing Supreme Court decision stating that all Palestinian construction at the site of the incident was illegal,
‘’The EU announcement ignores the European diplomats' blunt violation of the law, their disregard to a ruling of the Israeli court and their unnecessary provocation under the alleged pretext of humanitarian aid, ‘’ the Israeli spokesperson said.
‘’Diplomats are sent by their governments to be a bridge and not act as provocateurs,’’ he added.
He added: ‘’The European diplomats and their Governments owe an explanation to this blatant violation of diplomatic codes of conduct. Israel has already made it clear that it will not accept this misconduct. Israel's response will reflect the seriousness of these violations.’’
The spokesperson also said Israel may complain to France regarding a French diplomat, Marion Fesneau-Castaing, who took part in the altercation with the Israeli border police officers and is considering taking action against her.
National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror is holding discussions to decide whether she may be declared a persona non-grata because of what officials say was inappropriate behavior for a diplomat.
A decision has not yet been reached, but if such a measure is adopted, the diplomat, would no longer be afforded diplomatic immunity and would be banished from Israel.
The foreign ministry said that videos of the incident show the Israel Defense Forces soldiers at the scene did not exert any force against the diplomat. In one of the videos, she is seen raising her hand and either punching or pushing a Border Police officer at the scene. Immediately afterward, the officer left the scene and filed a police complaint against Castaing.
"The idea that a foreign diplomat can strike an Israeli border police officer in the face is totally unacceptable and explanations both from the diplomats and their governments would be warranted," Paul Hirschson, a spokesman for Israel's foreign ministry.