Israel has said that it will close its Dublin embassy, accusing Ireland of “crossing all the red lines.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the closure in a statement due to the “extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government.”
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said he was “deeply disappointed” by the move, and Deputy Prime Minister Miguel Martin stating that there are no plans to close the Irish embassy in Israel.
Harris also said she “completely rejects” the claim that Ireland is anti-Israel.
Earlier this year, the Irish Government officially recognized the Palestinian state, and this week it emerged that Ireland will formally intervene in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Israel’s ambassador in Dublin was recalled in May following the recognition of the Palestinian state.
Saar said: “The anti-Semitic actions and rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish State, along with double standards.
“Ireland has crossed all red lines in its relations with Israel.
Ireland has crossed all the red lines in its relations with Israel
Gideon Saar, Israeli Foreign Minister
“Israel will invest its resources in promoting bilateral relations with countries around the world in accordance with priorities that also take into account the attitudes and actions of these states towards Israel.”
Harris responded: “I am deeply disappointed by the Israeli government’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin.
“Ireland’s foreign policy is based on our deep commitment to dialogue and 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.”
Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always defend human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that.
—Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 15, 2024
He continued: “I completely reject the claim that Ireland is anti-Israel.
“Ireland is in favor of peace, human rights and international law.
“Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security.
“Ireland will always defend human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that.”
Tanaiste Martin said he believed in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication.
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 of all states to adhere to international humanitarian law.
“This has been the case with respect to our response to the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s conduct 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 an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
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 the Irish embassy in Israel, which is carrying out important work.”