Angus Robertson has issued an apology over his meeting with Israel's deputy ambassador to the UK. 

The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs said the talks should have been "strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."

He also said the Scottish Government would not hold any more meetings with Israeli until "real progress" is made in peace talks.

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Details of the summit with  Daniela Grudsky Ekstein, emerged last 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.”

Her post sparked outrage, with SNP MSPs and party members openly criticising Mr Robertson. 

John Swinney has also come under fire after reports over the weekend suggested that the First Minister had also been invited to the meeting with the diplomat but sent an “engagement request” to Mr Robertson’s office, asking that he go instead.

However, in his statement, the minister it was his decision to meet with Ms Ekstein rather than the First Minister's.

Mr Robertson said: “Two weeks ago, I met the new Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador at their request.

“We anticipated the Deputy Ambassador would raise concerns about antisemitism, as well as other issues.

“It was rightly for me to decide whether to take the meeting, however, as is normal practice, the First Minister was made aware before the meeting happened.

“My view was that given the Israeli UK Deputy Ambassador had requested a meeting it was an opportunity to express the Scottish Government's clear and unwavering position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and I did exactly that.

“No one intended that this meeting be presented as legitimatising the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. The Scottish Government has been consistent in our unequivocal condemnation of the atrocities we have witnessed in Gaza.

“The reality, however, is that this meeting has been taken by many to represent a normalisation of relations between the Israeli and Scottish governments.

“As such, it is clear that it would have been better to ensure that the meeting was strictly limited to the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the appalling loss of life in the region. I apologise for the fact that this did not happen."

The SNP minister said that it would now "not be appropriate to accept any invitation for a further meeting."

“This will remain our position until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes," he added.

Mr Robertson and the First Minister will be hoping the apology helps to appease furious MSPs and party members. 

The SNP is due to gather in the capital at the end of the month for their annual conference.

A motion being prepared for the gathering by members in Dalkeith calls for Mr Robertson to be investigated by the SNP's conduct committee for "bringing the party into disrepute" and to be suspended as a minister pending a Scottish Government investigation.

It is thought members could also bring emergency resolutions to force a debate on the situation in Gaza which would then allow them to talk more about Mr Robertson. 

Shortly after the apology was issued, former first minister Humza Yousaf broke his silence on the meeting, and offered his support to Mr Robertson. 

Taking to X, he said it was clear his colleague had "listened and reflected on the anger and upset in relation to his meeting with the Israeli Deputy Ambassador, and apologised."

He added: "I have always supported normal diplomatic relations with countries, even (especially!) where differences exist. However, there must be limits.

"40,000 killed, including children, infants and babies - this alone should preclude normal relations with the Government of Israel.


"A reminder that ICC Prosecutors are also seeking an arrest warrant for Israel's PM. The ICJ is investigating Israel for the crime of Genocide.

"If International Law is to be meaningful, then there must be consequences - including diplomatic - for those who breach it repeatedly."

He added: "On Angus. I have worked with him, and known him as a friend for many years. He is unwavering in his support for a two-state solution and supported the recognition of the Palestinian State for many years.

"He continues to be an asset when representing Scotland on the world stage."

There was support too for Mr Robertson from Scottish Tory leadership hopeful, Russell Findlay. Speaking at his campaign launch in Glasgow he said the minister was right to take the meeting.

"Any government, including a devolved administration, ought to engage with people respectfully and have dialogue even with people who we don't always agree with in every single matter," he said.