Report: Hanegbi suggested downgrading ties with states that recognized Palestine; was shot down

A dispute broke out last night during the security cabinet meeting between the foreign minister and national security adviser over how to respond to European countries that recently recognized Palestinian statehood, the Ynet news site reports.

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi suggested officially downgrading diplomatic relations with Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia, the report says. Israel recalled its envoys in May after the countries recognized a Palestinian state, but Hanegbi called for the move to be made permanent, and for Israel to close or limit the diplomatic representation of the four countries in Israel.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who according to Ynet had not been consulted on the matter, reacted furiously, telling Hanegbi: “Don’t drop a decision that imposes policy on me. I will decide whether or not to close a consulate or embassy.”

Other ministers reportedly supported Katz.

The foreign minister took off for Hungary after the meeting to meet his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and President Tamás Sulyok.