Moscow, Feb 5 (EFE) .- Russia’s foreign ministry is set to summon Israeli ambassador Simona Halperin over her “unacceptable” remarks during an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, state media reported on Monday.

“Due to unacceptable public statements by the Israeli envoy, which distort Russian foreign policy approaches and historical facts, Halperin will be summoned to the Foreign Ministry,” TASS news agency reported, citing a foreign ministry official.

The ministry described Halperin’s remarks as “an extremely unsuccessful start” to her diplomatic mission, which “should be aimed at developing bilateral relations in the interests of the people of the two countries.”

The ministry expressed “particular outrage” over the Israeli ambassador’s “disrespectful comments” regarding Russia’s efforts to help resolve the “fate” of hostages in Gaza.

In the interview published on Sunday, Halperin criticized Russia’s friendly relations with the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.

Halperin, who took charge as Israel’s envoy in Moscow in January, also said that Israel had not heard a single word of condemnation from Russia in the UN Security Council regarding attacks by the Houthis on cargo ships in the Red Sea. EFE

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