Tunisia's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned a call by Israeli officials for Jews to emigrate to Israel over concerns about possible economic hardship ahead in the North African country.

"The ill-disposed call amounts to meddling in Tunisia's domestic affairs and an attempt by Israel to tarnish the post-revolutionary image of Tunisia," the ministry said.

Open gallery view Stranded French passengers are seen at the international airport of Tunis during the curfew, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Credit: AP

Monday's statement via state news agency TAP comes a day after Israel's Cabinet said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited real distress among Tunisia's Jews and pledged extra money and aid to help them immigrate.

Tunisia's tourism industry has suffered after a popular uprising drove President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to flee in January. Two-thirds of Tunisia's estimated 1,500 Jews live on the island of Djerba - a popular vacation spot.

