Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Sunday, the closure of Israel’s embassy in Dublin, citing the “extreme anti-Israel policy of the Irish government.” This decision was made in response to Ireland’s recent actions, including its decision to join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in its devasting bombing of Gaza.
The relationship between Israel and Ireland has been strained, with the Irish government being one of the Jewish nation’s most outspoken critics, particularly over the war in Gaza that started on October 7, 2023.
"Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel," Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a statement. "The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards."
Ireland's taoiseach (prime minister) said in a statement that the decision is "deeply regrettable," and that "keeping channels open has never been more important so that we can better understand each other's positions, even when we disagree"
Simon Harris added: "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."
Concurrently with the closure of the embassy in Ireland, Israel announced plans to open a new embassy in Moldova, which already has an embassy in Israel. This move reflects Israel’s strategy to prioritize diplomatic relations with countries that are willing to strengthen ties with the Jewish state, Sa'ar said.
