Israel to close Irish embassy, citing ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’

Israel will close its embassy in Dublin due to what it claims is the “extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government”, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Sunday, citing Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its support of legal action against Israel.

Israel’s ambassador to Dublin was recalled following Ireland’s decision on a Palestinian state in May, Saar’s statement added. Last week, Dublin announced its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The action accuses Israel of genocide.

“Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in the statement.

“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.”

Irish leaders pushed back against Israel’s accusations of antisemitism, with Prime Minister Simon Harris calling the decision “deeply regrettable.”

“I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel,” he said in a post on X.

“Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.

“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.”