- Israel has closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of "extreme anti-Israel policies" and antisemitism.
- Israel has acted increasingly hostile toward Ireland following its recognition of the State of Palestine, its support for South Africa's ICJ genocide case and its condemnation of the mass civilian casualties in Gaza.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has accused Ireland of attempting to delegitimize the State of Israel and holding it to double standards, while accusing the Irish government of being antisemitic.
- Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has defended his country's stance, stating that it supports Israel's right to defend itself under international humanitarian law while condemning the civilian deaths in Gaza.
- Harris reiterated his country's commitment to peace and human rights, support for international law and a two-state solution as a means for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully.
The Israeli government has announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin, citing what it claimed was Ireland’s "extreme anti-Israel policies" and accusing the Irish government of antisemitism.
The decision follows over a year of deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations following Israel's genocidal invasion of Gaza and Ireland's recognition of the State of Palestine and its formal intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in support of South Africa's genocide case against Tel Aviv. (Related: Outraged Israel recalls ambassadors from Spain, Norway, Ireland over recognition of Palestinian state.)
Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar announced the embassy's closure on Sunday, Dec. 15, claiming that Ireland's actions "are rooted in efforts to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state."
He specifically criticized Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state, which he said was "praised by Hamas," and accused the country of "redefining" genocide to align with South Africa’s case against Israel.
Ireland reaffirms support for peace, human rights and a two-state solution
In a press conference on the same day Israel closed its embassy, Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Simon Harris defended his country's stance, stating that the country had been "unequivocal in its support for Israel’s right to defend itself within international humanitarian law."
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using the embassy closure as "the diplomacy of distraction" and condemned the killing of children and the scale of civilian deaths in Gaza.
Dana Erlich, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, clarified that Israel was "not breaking diplomatic relations" but was "closing the physical embassy" to relocate resources to countries that "want more collaboration with Israel." However, she also criticized Ireland’s "extreme vilification and policy against Israel."
Later on the same day, Saar escalated the diplomatic spat by describing Harris as antisemitic, and doubling down on his claim that Irish actions towards Israel are rooted on "the delegitimization and dehumanization of Israel" and supposed double standards towards the Jewish state.
In response, Harris rejected the accusation of antisemitism, stating on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that Ireland is "pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law." Harris emphasized Ireland’s support for a two-state solution, calling for Israel and Palestine to live "in peace and security."
Irish Tanaiste (deputy prime minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Martin reiterated his country's commitment to international humanitarian law, stating that his country's position on the conflict in Gaza "should not be seen as a hostile act."
Watch this episode of "Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp" discussing how Israel killed another 52 civilians in Gaza while it continues to invade Syria.
This video is from the AllTheWorldsAStage channel on Brighteon.com.
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