John Swinney has defended Angus Robertson after he was criticised by SNP MSPs and activists for meeting with Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK.

The First Minister said the Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs had agreed to meet Daniela Grudsky Ekstein so he could express the Scottish Government's "clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."

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Details of the summit emerged over the weekend when the diplomat publicly thanked Mr Robertson on social media for “welcoming us to wonderful Scotland.”

She added: “Discussed the unique commonalities between Israel and Scotland and also emphasized the urgent need to bring back our 115 hostages.

“Looking forward to cooperating in the fields of technology, culture and renewable energy.”

SNP MSP Elena Whitham shared the post with a sad face emoji.

Former transport minister Kevin Stewart said it was a mistake for the Cabinet Secretary to have agreed to the meeting. He said he hoped his colleague had also “demanded an immediate ceasefire” and “castigated the IDF for bombing hospitals and schools.”

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry said there was "no obligation" on the Scottish Government to have met with the diplomat. 

"The decision to do so to talk about commercial co-operation is extraordinarily inept & tone deaf given the deplorable actions of the Israeli Govt in #Gaza & the stance of the SNP on these matters," she tweeted.

SNP backbencher James Dornan told The Herald he was "extremely disappointed to see the photo of Angus Robertson and Ms Ekstein and to hear that they were discussing cooperation between both our nations."

He added: "It is my opinion that instead of discussions of further cooperation the Scottish Government should be considering sanctions against a Government that has shown total disregard for the human life of the people of Gaza and Palestinians in general.

"I’d prefer us to be part of an application to see Netanyahu answer for his war crimes than having photos taken with his spokespeople.

"If people want to know the real views of the SNP then I suggest they look at the words and actions of Humza Yousaf rather than this ill conceived photo and meeting by Angus.

"Like most of the SNP I stand firmly  behind the people of Palestine and oppose the monstrous actions of the genocidal Israeli Government."

A number of party activists took to X to say they would resign their membership of the SNP. 

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In a series of posts on X on Wednesday, the First Minister said Mr Robertson had used the meeting  "to express the Scottish Government's clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."

Mr Swinney added: "The Scottish Government received the meeting request and accepted on the basis it would provide an opportunity to convey our consistent position on the killing and suffering of innocent civilians in the region. 

"I understand why some believe a face-to-face meeting was not appropriate, however, I thought it necessary to outline our long-standing position on an immediate ceasefire directly, and explicitly, to one of Israel's representatives in the UK.

"As First Minister and SNP Leader, I will never hold back in expressing support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, an end to UK arms being sent to Israel, and the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state solution."

A spokesperson for the Embassy of Israel to the UK said: "As part of the longstanding and positive relationship between Israel and the UK, it is the work of foreign diplomats to engage and foster relations, including with the Scottish Government, through partnerships and frank dialogue.

"It is unfortunate that the core principles of diplomacy are being called into question.

"We remain resolute in fulfilling our duty to represent the state of Israel, including through advocating for the return of our 115 Israeli hostages who continue to be held by Hamas in Gaza."

The SNP has been united on the war in the Middle East, with the party repeatedly calling for a ceasefire, and forcing votes in the Commons. 

Relatives of former first minister Humza Yousaf were initially caught up in the conflict.

His wife's parents were trapped in Gaza in the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas and caught in Israeli reprisals.

It took almost a month for Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla to escape.