Sweden's decision to withdraw from a peacekeeping exercise because of Israel's participation has sparked a diplomatic tiff between the two countries.
The Israeli ambassador to Sweden, Eviatar Manor, Thursday warned that Stockholm's decision could have serious consequences. "If Sweden does not want to participate in a military exercise because Israel is in it, then Israel is going to have some difficulties with Sweden participating in peacekeeping missions in our region," the Ambassador said, according to Swedish Radio.
The Scandinavian country was due to send six fighter jets to the Volcanex international peacekeeping exercise in Sardinia, Italy, next month.
Swedish Defense Minister Leni Bjoerklund said Stockholm changed its mind after it appeared that a state, which does not belong to NATO's Partnership for Peace program, was to participate.
Foreign Minister Jan Eliasson cited limited resources and a need to focus on realistic training scenarios as the reason behind the Swedish pull out. "We don't see Israel as a country that we will in all probability cooperate with in peacekeeping operations for the time being," he said.
