Israel’s ambassador to Ireland has postponed a planned appearance at an Oireachtas committee to answer questions about the aid flotilla controversy.

Dr Zion Evrony today cited “unforeseen circumstances” for his decision to decline an invitation to address tomorrow’s scheduled emergency meeting of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee.

Committee chairman Michael Woods described the ambassador’s "eleventh hour volte-face" as “most disappointing”.

He said the committee had been anxious to seek answers from Dr Evrony about the Israeli actions against the Gaza aid flotilla. “We were also particularly eager to question him regarding his Government’s intentions concerning the Irish-owned ship the Rachel Corrie,” he said.

“This u-turn by an ambassador is almost without precedent and as a committee we are extremely dissatisfied with this action,” the Fianna Fáil TD said.

“We feel the ambassador has a responsibility to answer questions in an open and democratic forum. People want answers, however, unfortunately this opportunity has been lost.”

Dr Evrony had accepted the invitation on Monday after the Israeli assault on the Turkish aid boat, the Mavi Marmara during which nine people were killed.