Highland councillors clashed over a call to support the Palestinians by boycotting Israel.
Four members walked out of the full Highland Council meeting in protest at the item being on the agenda.
Councillor Donnie Kerr, a long-time supporter of Palestine, and Andrew Baxter tabled a motion asking for the local authority to “resist any action that gives political or economic support to the state of Israel”.
But before the debate even started, Councillor Thomas Prag said: “I find it extraordinary that this is on the agenda at all.”
He said he felt it was inappropriate and he was not elected for his views on international politics.
Mr Prag then walked out of the chamber, inviting others to join him. Three councillors followed – including his Liberal Democrat colleagues, Drew Miller and Gregor Rimell, and Independent David Bremner.
During the debate, Mr Kerr said discussions over the Middle East situation had “dragged on for a number of years”.
He said that three local authorities in Scotland had already pledged support for the Palestinians.
But Independent councillor Mike Finlayson said he felt he did not have enough information to reach a view.
And David Alston, a Liberal Democrat member, said he did not understand what Mr Kerr and Mr Baxter were asking the council to do, or the ramifications of giving support to a boycott.
He said: “It is designer radicalism, designed to look good without having to do anything.”
Mr Alston and Mr Finlayson proposed separate amendments to the motion. Mr Finlayson proposed outright rejection of the motion, while Mr Alston proposed removal of parts calling for a boycott.
Mr Alston’s amendment was taken forward after a 29-25 vote, with 12 abstentions.
It was then approved over Mr Kerr’s motion by a 21-14 vote, with 30 abstentions.