Geneva/Jerusalem  - A UN expert on human rights in the Palestinian territories was deported by Israel Monday, after being refused entry to the country.

Richard Falk had arrived on Sunday to conduct a field visit to the Palestinian areas, but was detained by the Israeli authorities at the airport and never let into the country, a UN official said.

The official said Falk's phone was also taken away and contact with him was limited until he was sent on a plane to the United States.

An Israeli foreign ministry statement said Falk's visit was uncoordinated and without the state's consent and he was therefore turned around.

The ministry said the UN expert was "unwelcome in Israel."

Israel has long complained about the mandate Falk took over earlier this year, saying it is biased in favour of the Palestinians and prevents the expert from making any comments about human rights abuses committed against Israelis.

He had also personally infuriated the Jewish State when he compared Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories with those of the Nazis during World War II.

Last week Falk, a Jewish-American law professor, issued a statement saying Israel's policies in the Gaza Strip were tantamount to "crimes against humanity" and suggested the International Criminal Court launch an investigation. (dpa)