Israel will shut down its embassy in Ireland due to the European nation’s “extreme anti-Israel policies,” including its decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
“The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, along with double standards,” Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Sunday. “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.”
The statement cited Ireland’s decision in May to formally recognize a Palestinian state, as Israel continued waging its war against Hamas in Gaza. Ireland also backed South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging the Jewish state is committing genocide against Palestinians.
“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,” Sa’ar said.
While Israel will close its embassy in Ireland in the coming weeks, it will soon open a new embassy in Moldova after fostering diplomatic relations.
Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland after it became one of three European nations to unilaterally recognize the formation of a Palestinian state. Spain and Norway made the same decision. Ireland has not recalled its envoy to Israel.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid described Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Ireland as a “victory for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel organizations” and that it signals the Jewish state is running away from confrontation.
Sa’ar shot back, saying Ireland’s actions are “clear anti-Semitism based on delegitimization, dehumanization and double standards towards the Jewish state.”
Last week, the Irish government in Dublin said it would support South Africa’s push to have the Israeli campaign against Hamas be officially recognized as genocide by the Hague. Irish officials have drawn parallels to their nation’s centuries-long struggle against British occupation in defending the Palestinian cause.
In January, the Hague ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza without explicitly accusing the Israeli government of genocide.
Irish prime minister Simon Harris called Israel’s decision to further remove itself from the European island “deeply regrettable.”
“I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law,” Harris said.
“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.”