Jerusalem - Almost ten years after establishing ties with the Islamic republic, Israel closed its embassy in Mauritania Friday, its Foreign Ministry announced.

A statement from the Ministry said Israel closed the representation after being requested to do so by the north-western African state's government. Ambassador Mickey Arbel is due to leave the country.

"Following the Mauritanian government's decision, on January 16th 2009, to freeze diplomatic relations with Israel, and at its request, Israel will close its embassy in Nouakchott as of today. Consequently, Ambassador Mickey Arbel will go on leave," said the statement.

Mauritania froze its ties with Israel in protest against its Gaza offensive, which ended January 18 after 22 days and killed some 1,300 Palestinians, many of them civilians, and was aimed at curbing rocket and mortar attacks from the strip at southern Israeli towns and villages. (dpa)