Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland in the coming weeks due to the Irish government’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made the announcement on Sunday after recalling the Israeli ambassador from Dublin. Saar said the Irish government had “crossed every red line” and referred to the country’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
“The actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, along with double standards,” Saar said.
“Israel will invest its resources in promoting bilateral relations with countries around the world, according to priorities that also take into account the attitudes and actions of these states towards Israel,” he added.
Israel closes its embassy in Ireland. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement that the decision was “deeply regrettable”, according to the BBC. Deputy Prime Minister Michel Martin echoed that sentiment in a longer statement.
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“I firmly believe in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been made,” Martin said.
“Ireland’s position on the conflict in the Middle East has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation of all states to comply with international humanitarian law,” he added.
Ireland’s new Prime Minister Simon Harris is greeted by colleagues and family members as he leaves the Dail in Dublin. (Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images)
The announcement comes as Israel considers further attacks against Iran this week. Israeli reports said this on Thursday the evolving reality in the region has prompted Israel to reconsider targeting Iran’s nuclear program, which Jerusalem and its international allies view as one of the biggest emerging threats at a time when tensions between the West and countries like Russia and Iran continue to worsen.
The US, under the Biden administration, together with its international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, have urged Israel not to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement in Israel. (Israeli Government Press Agency via AP)
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However, last month Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed this IDF had struck and demoted part of Iran’s nuclear program in a retaliatory attack in late October, but he warned that this was not enough to thwart Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon.
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
