The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on Sunday that it had ordered the closure of its embassy in Dublin after “anti-Israeli” initiatives, believing that Ireland had “crossed all red lines”.
“Ireland’s anti-Semitic actions and rhetoric against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, as well as double standards. Ireland has crossed all the red lines in its relations with Israel,” said the head of Israeli diplomacy, Gideon Saar, quoted in the press release.
Diplomatic relations between Ireland and Israel have deteriorated following a series of initiatives, including Dublin’s recognition of the State of Palestine and support for proceedings brought by South Africa before the Court. International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of “genocide” in the Gaza Strip where the country has been at war against Hamas since October 7, 2023.
In the spring, Ireland, alongside Norway and Spain, announced the recognition of a State of Palestine, provoking the ire of Israel.
“The decision to close the Israeli Embassy in Dublin was taken in light of the extreme anti-Israeli actions of the Irish government,” added the Israeli ministry.
Ireland reacted by deploring “a deeply regrettable decision by (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government. I totally reject the claim that Ireland is anti-Israel,” wrote Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris on his X account.
In November, he said his country’s authorities would detain Netanyahu if he traveled to Ireland, after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, “for crimes against humanity and war crimes” committed from October 8, 2023 to May 20 of this year in the Gaza Strip.
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