'Israel' to shut embassy in Ireland over 'extreme anti-Israeli policy'
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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris reacts to the decision and describes "Israel’s" move as "deeply regrettable", dismissing claims of anti-Israeli sentiment.
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The flags of (L-R) Norway, South Africa, Palestine, Ireland, and Spain, are raised at an entrance of Ramallah city in the occupied West Bank on May 28, 2024 (AFP)
The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced Sunday the closure of its embassy in Ireland, attributing the decision to the Dublin government's "extreme anti-Israeli policies," further escalating the already strained relations between the two sides.
"The decision to close Israel's embassy in Dublin was made in light of the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government," Tel Aviv said in a statement.
The announcement follows several actions by Ireland, including its formal recognition of a Palestinian state and support for an International Court of Justice (ICJ) case accusing "Israel" of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Playing the usual "anti-Semitism" card, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in a statement that "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 has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel," Saar considered.
Reacting to the decision, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described "Israel’s" move as "deeply regrettable" and dismissed claims of anti-Israeli sentiment.
"I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law," Harris wrote on X.
He added, "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."
In November, Harris stated that the country's authorities would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he traveled to Ireland, following the International Criminal Court's (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant against him and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of "crimes against humanity and war crimes" committed in the Gaza Strip between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024.
In May, Ireland formally recognized Palestine as "a sovereign and independent state" encompassing the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, while also agreeing to establish full diplomatic relations.
Spain and Norway recognized Palestine as a state on the same day, with Slovenia doing so a week later, prompting retaliatory measures from "Israel".
In November, Ireland further solidified its stance by accepting the appointment of a full Palestinian ambassador for the first time.
Read more: Ireland seeks redefinition of genocide in ICJ case against 'Israel'
