Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director-General of the Europe Division Aviv Shir-On on Monday 12 Tishrei summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem Sweden’s ambassador to Israel and expressed Israel’s concern and disappointment with the statement by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven regarding Sweden’s intent to recognize a Palestinian state.

DDG Shir-On emphasized that Israel believes that not only does this this statement not contribute to improving relations between Israel and the Palestinians, but in effect damages the relationship, causes a deterioration of the situation on the ground and reduces the chance of reaching an agreement because it creates the unrealistic anticipation that the Palestinians will be able to achieve their goal unilaterally rather than by negotiations with Israel.

Shir-On told the Swedish ambassador that while the Middle East is in a state of crisis, and while many bitter battles and atrocities are taking place daily in many countries in the region, the choice made by Prime Minister Löfven to focus on the Palestinian issue is puzzling and misplaced.

The Swedish ambassador noted the remarks and promised to inform his government.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)