By Jonathan McCambridge, PA
Israel will close its embassy in Dublin in light of “the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government”, foreign minister Gideon Saar has said, accusing Ireland of “crossing every red line”.
His statement said Israel’s ambassador to Dublin has been recalled in the past following what it called Ireland’s “unilateral decision to recognise a Palestinian state”.
They said the decision followed Ireland’s announcement of its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of “genocide.”
Mr Saar said: “The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards.
“Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.
“Israel will invest its resources in advancing bilateral relations with countries worldwide according to priorities that also take into account the attitudes and actions of these states toward Israel.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the decision by Israel to close its Irish embassy is “deeply regrettable”.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Harris said: "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 said he "rejects the assertion 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," he said
This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law. https://t.co/rDga5GpT3u
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 15, 2024
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said there are no plans to close its embassy in Israel.
Mr Martin said he had been informed by the government of Israel of its decision to close its embassy in Dublin.
He said: “I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken.”
“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 7th, 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.”
