Israel closes Dublin embassy over government’s ‘extreme anti-Israeli policies’ as Taoiseach says ‘deeply disappointed’

ISRAEL is set to close its embassy in Dublin following “the extreme anti-Israeli policies of the Irish government”, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said today.

The country claimed that the Irish government had crossed “all the red lines” towards it.

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This comes days after the Irish government announced that Ireland would join South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The case accuses Israel of genocide.

Speaking about the Dublin closure, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said there were no plans to close the Irish embassy in Israel.

He said: “I have been informed today of the decision by the Israeli government to close its embassy in Dublin.

“I firmly believe in the importance of maintaining diplomatic lines of communication and I 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 of all States to adhere to international humanitarian law.

“This has been the case with regard 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. This represents collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“Ireland and Israel will continue to maintain diplomatic relations. This includes the right to agree and disagree on fundamental matters.

“There are no plans to close the Irish Embassy in Israel, which carries out important work.”

And Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision.

In a statement he wrote: “I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the Israeli government to close its embassy in Dublin.

“Ireland’s foreign policy is founded on our deep commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Resident embassies play a very important role in this.

“Keeping the channels open has never been more important so we can better understand each other’s positions, even when we disagree.

“I categorically reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israeli. Ireland supports 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 uphold human rights and international law.

“Nothing will distract from that.”

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