John Armstrong: NZ cracks diplomatic whip

COMMENT

The suspension of diplomatic ties with Israel following yesterday's jailing of two suspected spies is thought to be New Zealand's strongest diplomatic retaliation against a foreign government since David Lange tore strips off the French 20 years ago.

In practical effect, the reprisals are even stronger in limiting official contact between New Zealand and Israel and giving no timetable for when the curbs will be lifted.

They still fall short of the ultimate action - formally cutting diplomatic links. But they go way beyond the ritual dressing-downs reserved for senior French and Chinese diplomats every time those two countries held nuclear-weapons tests, and they exceed Mr Lange's response following the Rainbow Warrior bombing in 1985.

The condemnation of Israel is understood to be even more strongly worded than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Wellington first recommended to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phil Goff. The ministry's draft response, though robust, was toughened even further by Helen Clark and Mr Goff.

They had little to lose in exercising strong indignation. It always looks good domestically to be seen talking tough to foreign governments. Fortunately for Labour, New Zealand's relationship with Israel is of limited importance to this country. In terms of official visits, contact has been infrequent, although Mr Goff went to Tel Aviv for talks last year.

There is little the Israelis can do in concrete terms to exact revenge for yesterday's punishment.

Israel no longer has an embassy in Wellington to close in retaliation. Neither can Israel send New Zealand's ambassador packing. She is based in Ankara, capital of Turkey.

Unlike France, Israel is insignificant as a trading partner.

New Zealand exports a minuscule amount of goods to Israel - just $9 million worth last year, largely prepared meats and dairy products.

In contrast, the Government has been trying to boost trade with the Arab world, most recently by announcing the opening of an embassy in Cairo. Pinging Israel will do New Zealand no harm in the region.

One consideration in the Prime Minister's thinking will have been the reaction of the United States, Israel's closest ally, to yesterday's measures.

However, the Clark Government will judge that Canada set the precedent in taking a similarly tough line when that country's sovereignty was similarly breached by Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad - especially as Israel has failed to offer either explanation or apology in New Zealand's case.