Ministry Checking Into Racist Remarks by Israeli Diplomat

If this turns out to be true, it sure is troubling.

The Age in Melbourne reports:

ISRAEL has recalled its ambassador to Australia to investigate comments he reportedly made on Asians.

Ambassador Naftali Tamir was believed to have been in Singapore on his way to Australia after a short holiday in Israel, when he received instructions to return immediately.

In an interview with the widely circulated daily, Haaretz, last week, Mr Tamir allegedly said Israel and Australia needed to co-operate because they were like sisters in Asia. "We are in Asia without the characteristics of Asians. We don't have yellow skin and slanted eyes. Asia is basically the yellow race. Australia and Israel are not — we are basically the white race," he was quoted as saying.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said in Jerusalem last night his ministry was checking whether the comments as reported were accurate.

"As they stand, they are obviously unacceptable and problematic," Mr Regev said. ...