Israel Shuts Embassy In Ireland Alleging ‘Extreme Anti-Israel Policies’, Irish PM Harris 'Rejects' Assertion

Israel has closed its embassy in Ireland due to the Irish government's "extreme anti-Israel policies," including the recognition of Palestine and support for legal action against Israel.

File photo of Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris

Source : X/@SimonHarrisTD

Israel has officially closed its embassy in Ireland, citing what it called “extreme anti-Israel policies” by the Irish government. The announcement was made on Sunday by Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who issued a scathing critique of Ireland’s stance on Israel.  

“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,” Sa’ar stated in a release by the foreign ministry.  

Sa’ar also emphasised that Israel would prioritise diplomatic efforts with nations based on their attitudes and actions towards the Jewish state. “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,” he added, as per CNN.  

The Israeli foreign ministry’s statement highlighted several actions by the Irish government, including its decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine in May and its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Ireland has also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, with Dublin announcing in March its intention to intervene in a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.  

Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, criticised the embassy closure in a post on X, calling it a “victory for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel organisations.” He remarked, “The way to deal with criticism is not to run away, but to stay and fight!”  

ההחלטה לסגור את שגרירות ישראל באירלנד היא לתת נצחון לאנטישמיות ולארגונים האנטי ישראלים. הדרך להתמודד עם בקורת היא לא לברוח, אלא להישאר ולהלחם!

— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) December 15, 2024

Lapid’s remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Sa’ar, who responded on X, saying, “Shame on you, Yair!… This is clear anti-Semitism based on delegitimisation, dehumanisation and double standards towards the Jewish state.”  

תתבייש, יאיר!
תתבייש שאתה בוחר להגדיר את היחס האירי לישראל כ״ביקורת״ (מעניין שזו גם בדיוק טענתם). זוהי אנטישמיות מובהקת המבוססת על דה-לגיטימציה, דה-הומניזציה וסטנדרטים כפולים כלפי המדינה היהודית.
מחפיר גם שלא מצאת לנכון לומר מילה על כך שרק בשבוע שעבר אירלנד הצטרפה לתביעה נגד… https://t.co/6tJsFcP4MN

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) December 15, 2024

Irish PM Simon Harris 'Rejects' Israel's Assertion, Emphasises Support For 2-State Solution

The decision has been met with disapproval from Ireland as well. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described the move as “deeply regrettable” and rejected the accusations of anti-Israel bias. “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.  

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.

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 15, 2024

"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 added.

Ireland’s recognition of the Palestinian state and its criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza have long been points of contention in relations between the two nations. In January, the ICJ directed Israel to “take all measures within its power” to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza, though it refrained from directly accusing Israel of genocide.