Israel Condemns Official Who Linked Italy Quake to UNESCO Vote

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs apologized for the comments of Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara after he linked the earthquake in Italy to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee resolution ignoring Judaism’s deep ties to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Israel has condemned an official who suggested an earthquake in Italy was related to the contentious vote at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) .

Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon says Saturday that Israel apologizes for the comments of Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara that were “improper and would have been better left unsaid.” Nahshon says Kara will be summoned for a “clarification talk” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The announcement came shortly before an official visit to Israel by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

During a visit to Italy this week in which he met Pope Francis, Kara said he was “sure” the earthquake happened because of a UNESCO World Heritage Committee resolution ignoring Judaism’s deep ties to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Israel was outraged by the decision and recalled its UNESCO ambassador.

By: AP