Brussels, 30/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - Israeli diplomatic circles call on the EU to “lower the tone” and not to hope to be “part of the dialogue” envisaged with Palestinians if it continues with its criticism. This was reported by Haaretz and taken up by the Spanish agency EFE. Rafi Barak, who is vice-director for Europe at the Israeli Ministry for Foreign Affairs, is said to have told EU ambassadors of this in Tel Aviv. At the root of the problem are the recent declarations by senior European officials, and in particular Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who state there should be a stay in the upgrading of relations with Israel, given the positions taken by Benjamin Netanyahu's government, seen as hostile to the peace process. “Israel needs time to formulate its policy” and “rejects the press campaigns”, according to Igal Palmor, spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, saying that the EU should remain a “discreet” partner and not “make public declarations”. (F.B./transl.jl)