Israel to close embassy in Ireland as it criticizes 'anti-Israel policies.
Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Dublin, citing what it describes as the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made the announcement, stating that the Republic of Ireland had crossed every red line in its actions and rhetoric towards Israel.
The decision marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations. In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Saar criticized Ireland's recent actions, including its decision to recognize a Palestinian state unilaterally and its support for South Africa's legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide, a claim Israel strongly denies.
Mr. Saar said: The actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, along with double standards. He further argued that Ireland’s stance undermines Israel’s legitimacy on the world stage. Saar justified the decision to close the embassy, saying, “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.
The closure of the Israeli embassy comes after months of strained relations. Earlier, Israel had recalled its ambassador to Dublin in response to Ireland’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state. That decision by the Irish government was seen as part of a broader European movement to bolster international recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.
The latest flashpoint in Israeli-Irish relations is Ireland’s support for South Africa’s case at the ICJ. South Africa’s legal proceedings accuse Israel of genocide in its ongoing military campaign, a charge Israel vehemently rejects as unfounded and inflammatory. Israel has described Ireland’s backing of the case as particularly provocative and reflective of a broader anti-Israel sentiment within Irish policy.
Responding to Israel’s announcement, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris expressed his disappointment at the closure of the embassy. He described Israel’s decision as deeply regrettable and reaffirmed Ireland’s position as a nation committed to peace and diplomacy. Harris said, “Ireland is pro-peace, and we have consistently supported international efforts to achieve a two-state solution that ensures security and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Ireland’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has long been a point of contention. Historically, Ireland has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians, advocating for human rights and international law. While this approach has earned Ireland praise in some international circles, it has also led to friction with Israel, which perceives such actions as one-sided and hostile.
The closure of Israel’s embassy in Dublin signals a cooling of relations that could have wider implications for Israel’s engagement with Europe. For Ireland, it underscores the country’s willingness to take independent and often controversial stances on matters of international justice and human rights.
While the Irish government maintains its position as pro-peace, the fallout from this diplomatic rift highlights the deep divides that persist over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Whether this decision will have long-term effects on Ireland’s role in the global arena remains to be seen, but for now, the closure of Israel’s embassy marks a new low in bilateral relations between the two nations.
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