Israel decides to close its embassy in Ireland due to 'antisemitic actions, rhetoric'

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has decided to close Israel’s embassy in Ireland due to “antisemitic actions, rhetoric,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The diplomatic decision likely reflects the strong tensions that currently exist between the Irish and Israeli governments regarding the Iron Swords War in Gaza.

"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. Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel. 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,” Saar stated.

Sa'ar emphasized that Israel would focus its diplomatic efforts on countries where it currently lacks an embassy but seeks to establish strong ties with Jerusalem.

“There are countries interested in strengthening their ties with Israel where we do not yet have an Israeli embassy. We will adjust Israel’s diplomatic network of missions while giving due weight, among other factors, to the positions and actions of various countries toward Israel in the diplomatic arena," he said. 

Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris denied that Ireland embraced anti-Israel policies. 

"I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law," Harris wrote on 𝕏. "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."

The Irish Foreign Ministry also denied that its Middle Eastern policies have been one-sided against Israel. 

“Ireland’s position on the conflict in the Middle East has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation on all States to adhere to international humanitarian law,” the Foreign Ministry stated.

“The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law. It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

“Ireland and Israel will continue to maintain diplomatic relations. Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points.”

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid lamented the decision to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin as a victory for antisemitism. 

"The decision to close the Israeli embassy in Ireland is a victory for antisemitism and anti-Israel organizations. The way to deal with criticism is not to run away but to stay and fight!" Lapid argued. 

Ireland has focused its criticisms on Israeli actions in Gaza, accusing Israel of "war crimes" and "genocide" against Palestinians, while not addressing the attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians.

Despite Ireland's denials, the nation's Middle East policies have been far from balanced.

In May, Ireland joined Spain and Norway in unilaterally recognizing “Palestine” as an independent state, despite objections from Israel that such a diplomatic move would serve as a reward for the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre of 1,200 Israelis last year.

In addition, Ireland recently asked to widen the definition of “genocide” for South Africa's anti-Israel case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

"By legally intervening in South Africa’s case, Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a State," the Foreign Affairs Department in Dublin stated. 

"We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimized."

Ireland has not specifically addressed the actions of Hamas, which has targeted Israeli civilians and used Gazan civilians as human shields, which is considered a double war crime under international law.

Leading Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, have rejected the “genocide” allegations against Israel and defended Israel’s right to defend itself from Iranian-backed terror proxies.