Israel Regrets Tunisia's Decision to Break off Relations

Israeli government Sunday expressed disappointment toward Tunisia's decision to sever relations with Israel, a statement issued by Israeli Foreign Ministry said.

Tunisian government announced earlier Sunday that it will close its "interest office" in Tel Aviv and asked Israel to close its "interest office" in Tunis because of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian violence, which had killed 120 and wound several thousands, most of them Arabs.

Israeli Foreign Ministry said that it was surprised to hear the news. "It appears Tunisia has selected to renounce its potential role as a bridge for reconciliation between Israel and its neighbors," said the short statement.

"That will harm the critical efforts to promote regional peace," the statement added.

The Tunisian government decided to cut ties with Israel even before the conclusion of the Arab League Summit in Cairo Sunday noon.

The summit issued a statement condemning Israel for its "barbaric massacres" against the Palestinian civilians, which the Arab leaders said threatened the whole region.

Arab leaders participating in the conference also called for Arab countries to consider freezing relations with Israel.



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