Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Lieberman. Photo: Israeli government.

JNS.org – The Swedish government’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state may have the unintended consequence of creating some extra revenue for a popular furniture retailer.

On Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticized Sweden’s decision, quipping that “the Swedish government needs to understand that relations in the Middle East are more complicated than a piece of furniture from IKEA that you put together yourself, and it should act with responsibility and sensitivity.”

Shortly after, his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom answered in kind that she “will be happy to send Israel FM Lieberman an IKEA flat pack to assemble. He’ll see it requires a partner, cooperation and a good manual.”

If IKEA is a smart marketer, it’ll take advantage of this unexpected publicity. Meanwhile, it’s nice to know that politicians have a sense of humor.