Borg Slams Israeli Minister: “Such Behaviour Unacceptable”

Imagine standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun casting a warm glow on the historic buildings, when you hear about a diplomatic spat that hits close to home. That’s exactly what happened when Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg publicly condemned Israeli Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen’s behaviour during a recent visit.

What Happened?

Farkash-Hacohen, during her visit to Malta, was caught on camera refusing to shake hands with her Maltese counterpart, Minister Borg. The incident, which took place at the Grandmaster’s Palace, quickly went viral, sparking outrage and condemnation from various quarters.

In response, Minister Borg released a statement, describing the Israeli minister’s behaviour as “deeply disturbing” and “unacceptable”. He added, “I will not tolerate such disrespectful behaviour, especially when it comes from a guest in our country.”

Malta-Israel Relations in the Spotlight

Malta and Israel have enjoyed cordial relations for decades, with both countries sharing strong economic and cultural ties. However, this incident has put their diplomatic relations under the microscope. Many Maltese, known for their hospitality and warmth, have expressed their dismay at the Israeli minister’s actions.

Local political analyst, Dr. Joseph Lia, commented, “This incident is a stark reminder that diplomacy is about more than just policy; it’s about respect and mutual understanding. It’s high time we have a serious conversation about how we want to engage with the world.”

: Damage Control and Dialogue

In the wake of the incident, both countries have been engaged in damage control. The Israeli embassy in Malta has issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, while the Israeli foreign ministry has promised to investigate the matter.

Minister Borg, meanwhile, has called for dialogue, stating, “I believe that diplomacy is about resolving issues, not creating them. I look forward to working with our Israeli counterparts to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”

As we navigate these choppy diplomatic waters, one thing is clear: Malta will not stand for disrespect, no matter where it comes from. After all, as they say in Malta, “Il-bniedem ma jkunx jkunx” – respect is not something that can be bought.