President Michael D #Higgins has said that it is a "deep slander" and "a very serious business" to describe the Irish people as anti-semitic because they disagree with the actions of the #Israeli Prime Minister.
President Higgins said that Benjamin #Netanyahu has breached "so many bits of international law and the sovereignty of three of his neighbours."
"I think to suggest that because one criticises Prime Minister Netahyahu one is anti-semetic is such a gross defamation and slander."
Referring to Israeli #Ambassador Dana Erlich, he said when he accepted her credentials, he initially put the comments down to a lack of experience, but he "later realised the comments were part of a pattern to damage #Ireland."
President Higgins made his remarks at a credentials ceremony for Ambassador of the State of Palestine Jilan Abdaljamid and Ambassador of Italy Nicola Faganello.
SHOTLIST
- GV's of President Higgins
- VS President Higgins receiving the new Palestinian Ambassador, Palestenian Ambassador conveying greetings from Mahmood Abbas. Photo op.
- SOUNDBITE (English) Michael D Higgins, President of #Ireland:
"To say that the Irish people are anti-Semitic is a deep slander. Every politician since I became, since I became President 13 years ago has said that anybody offering Islamophobic or anti-Semitic remarks were in fact to be reported to the police authorities. And that is how it is.
I think it is a very serious business to actually brand a people because they disagree with Prime Minister Netanyahu who is in breach of so many bits of international law, and who has breached the sovereignty of three of his neighbours in relation to #Lebanon, #Syria and would like, in fact actually to have a settlement in #Egypt.
I think to suggest that because one criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu that one is anti-Semitic is such a gross defamation and slander. I have to say that originally when I was accepted credentials (Referring to Israeli Ambassador Dana Erlich) I put it down to lack of experience, but then I saw lecture that it was part of a pattern and to damage Ireland.
- GVs President Higgins with new Ambassador of the State of #Palestine
