Undiplomatic & distasteful: Anand Sharma on Israel envoy’s remark
The diplomatic relations between India and Israel have been going through a tumultuous period, with the latest controversy sparked by the Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar’s remark targeting Priyanka Gandhi. The Congress party’s Anand Sharma has strongly condemned the ambassador’s words, terming them “undiplomatic, distasteful, and unacceptable”.
In a scathing rebuke, Sharma said that the language used by the Israeli diplomat was uncalled for and reflected poorly on the country’s diplomatic corps. “The language used is undiplomatic, distasteful, and unacceptable,” Sharma asserted. His remarks came in response to the ambassador’s statement, which many felt was an affront to the dignity of a prominent Indian political leader.
The controversy began when Azar responded to a tweet by Priyanka Gandhi, in which she expressed her concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The Israeli ambassador took umbrage with her comments, saying, “What is shameful is your deceit.” The remark sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the ambassador’s choice of words.
Sharma’s condemnation of the ambassador’s statement was not limited to the language used. He also took issue with Azar’s denial of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza, where over 60,000 defenseless people have lost their lives. “The Israeli Ambassador’s brazen denial of humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and justification for brutal killings of over 60,000 defenceless people…deserves strongest condemnation,” Sharma said.
The Congress leader’s remarks are reflective of the deepening divide between India and Israel over the Israeli government’s handling of the Palestinian conflict. While India has traditionally maintained good relations with Israel, there have been growing concerns about the country’s human rights record, particularly in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has been dire for months, with Israeli air strikes and artillery fire causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The international community has been vocal in its condemnation of the violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian crisis.
India, too, has been increasingly critical of Israel’s actions, with many public figures and politicians calling for the country to take a more balanced approach in its dealings with the Palestinian authority. The Congress party, in particular, has been vocal in its condemnation of Israeli actions, with Sharma’s remarks being the latest in a series of criticisms aimed at the Israeli government.
Despite the controversy, the Indian government has maintained a cautious tone, with officials saying that the country’s relations with Israel remain strong. However, the incident has highlighted the growing unease among many Indians about the country’s close ties with Israel, particularly in the context of the Palestinian conflict.
The controversy also raises questions about the role of diplomatic corps in international relations. While diplomats are expected to maintain a neutral tone, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining a level of decorum and respect in public discourse.
In conclusion, Anand Sharma’s condemnation of the Israeli ambassador’s remark is a reflection of the deepening divide between India and Israel over the Israeli government’s handling of the Palestinian conflict. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a level of decorum and respect in public discourse, particularly among diplomatic corps. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen whether India will continue to maintain its close ties with Israel, or whether the controversy will lead to a re-evaluation of the country’s foreign policy.
