Attending the UN Assembly in New York on Sunday, President Michael D Higgins told reporters the Israeli embassy in Dublin had “circulated” a congratulatory letter he wrote to the newly elected president of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in July.
His comments were interpreted as an accusation Israel deliberately leaked the letter.
The Israeli embassy issued a statement, calling it a “baseless accusation” and “potentially slanderous”, marking a new low in relations between the Israeli ambassador and President Higgins.
On Monday evening President Higgins met the press again in New York and denied he meant Israel leaked anything, while doubling down on other criticism.
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Irish Times political correspondent Jennifer Bray was there. She explains the origins of the controversy, how events played out in New York and why there is consternation in Government over the overshadowing of its mission to the high-profile UN Assembly.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
