Israel has closed its embassy in Dublin as it accuses Ireland of having ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’ and of crossing ‘every red line’.
Gideon Saar – Israel’s foreign minister – declared the closure of the Irish residence of its ambassador whilst claiming Ireland had an ‘anti-Semitic rhetoric’.
Irish premier Simon Harris said he was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the move, whilst ‘utterly rejecti[ng]’ allegations that Ireland was against the Middle Eastern state.
Despite Saar’s most recent move, deputy premier Micheal Martin has made it clear there are no plans to close the Irish embassy in Israel.
The closure of the embassy comes after the Irish government officially recognised Palestine as a state, with Israel’s Dublin ambassador being recalled after in May.
This week it also emerged that Ireland will formally intervene in South Africa‘s genocide case against the Jewish state at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In his announcement Mr Saar labelled Ireland as anti-Semitic, saying their recent actions ‘demonis[ed]’ the Middle Eastern country.
‘The actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards, he said.
Israel has closed its embassy in Dublin as it accuses Ireland of having ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’ and for crossing ‘every red line’
Gideon Saar – Israel’s foreign minister – declared the closure of the Irish residence of its ambassador whilst claiming Ireland had an ‘anti-Semitic rhetoric’
‘Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.’
The Israeli foreign minister said Israel would invest its ‘resources in advancing bilateral relations with countries worldwide according to priorities.’
He said such ‘priorities’ would ‘take into account the attitudes and actions of these states towards Israel.’
Ireland’s Taoiseach, Mr Harris, responded: ‘I am deeply disappointed by the Israeli government’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin.
‘Ireland’s foreign policy is founded on our deep commitment to dialogue and to the peaceful resolution of disputes.
‘Resident embassies play a very important role in that regard.
‘Keeping channels open has never been more important so that we can better understand each other’s positions, even when we disagree.’
He continued: ‘I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.
‘Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security.
‘Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that.’
‘Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.
Tánaiste Mr Martin said he believed in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication.
Both Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris (left) and its Tánaiste Michael Martin (right) have vehemently rejected the claims, with Mr Harris stating he was ‘deeply disappointed’ by Israel’s move
He said: ‘Ireland’s position on the conflict in the Middle East has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation on all states to adhere to international humanitarian law.
‘This has been the case with regard to our response to the terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel on October 7 2023, and to the conduct by Israel of its military operations since then.
‘The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law.
‘It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.’
Mr Martin said Ireland and Israel will continue to maintain diplomatic relations, adding: ‘Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points.
‘There are no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Israel, which is carrying out important work.’
