​(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)

We repudiate the remarks of Deputy Minister Kara. They are unworthy, and it would have been best had they not been made at all.

Since making the statement, Deputy Minister Kara has issued an apology, which is also endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The remarks in no way reflect the depth of the relationship between both the peoples and government of Israel and Italy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold a clarification meeting with the deputy minister in the near future.