The Israeli Embassy in Singapore has apologised after one of its junior staff members displayed “deplorable behaviour” by using a Singapore flag as a table cloth at a party on Sunday (Dec 27). In a press statement on Wednesday, the Embassy of the State of Israel said it was “appalled” to learn of the staff member’s actions. “The Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed that requisite strong disciplinary procedure will be adopted against the individual after his meeting with the Singapore authorities, reflecting the severity with which Israel views this incident, especially in light of the close and friendly relationship between Singapore and Israel,” the embassy said.
Photos of the incident surfaced on the alternative news site All Singapore Stuff on Monday. The images show the Singapore flag on a table purportedly at the Levelz Condo at Farrer Road, with items strewn on it such as bottles and a pair of sunglasses.
Channel NewsAsia understands that a police report was made on Sunday and that the Israeli Ambassador was summoned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Singapore. In response to media queries, MFA said it welcomes the Israeli Embassy’s apology as well as its assurances that it would undertake the necessary disciplinary actions against the person in question. “The misuse of the Singapore flag is a serious offence,” MFA said. “All persons, including diplomats and foreigners in Singapore, must respect and abide by our laws and regulations.”
