Poland’s prime minister denounced a “xenophobic act” on his country’s ambassador after an Israeli man was arrested for spitting outside the Polish embassy in Tel Aviv.

Mateusz Morawiecki said he was concerned by what he said was a racist attack.

“Poland strongly condemns this xenophobic act of aggression. Violence against diplomats or any other citizens should never be tolerated,” he said.

The unnamed suspect, 65, was placed under house arrest following Tuesday’s incident, which occurred after an argument with security guards outside the embassy building, according to Haaretz.

The suspect was reportedly honked by ambassador Marek Magierowski’s car as he was walking in the middle of the road and, when Mr Magierowski emerged from the vehicle, the suspect spat on him.

The suspect said he was visiting the embassy for matters involving returning Jewish property in Poland, the newspaper added.

Emmanuel Nahshon, a spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry, said an investigation was underway and that “we will update our Polish friends” on its progress.

“Israel expresses its full sympathy with the Polish ambassador and shock at the attack,” Mr Nahshon said.

“This is a top priority to us, as we are fully committed to diplomats’ safety and security.”

Relations between the two countries have become strained in recent years over a Polish law that criminalised blaming Poland for Nazi crimes during the Second World War, and an ongoing debate over the restitution of Jewish property seized during the Holocaust.