Breaking Israel to close Dublin embassy over ‘anti-Israel policies’ this is Most Serious, to Watch and Witness, Hezbollah and Hamas Flags, Flying outside the Gates of Dail Eireann, as Gardai do Nothing? Islam will soon, have a major Impact in Ireland, and America and Trump, will have to Intervene?

Updated / Sunday, 15 Dec 2024 14:13

Israel will close its embassy in Dublin in light of “the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said in a statement.

“It should be noted that in the past, Israel’s ambassador to Dublin was recalled following Ireland’s unilateral decision to recognise a ‘Palestinian state’,” the statement said.

“Last week, Ireland announced its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of ‘genocide’,” it added.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the move as a “deeply regrettable decision” from the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a statement on X, Mr Harris said that he utterly rejected the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel.

“Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law,” Mr Harris said.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said both countries “will continue to maintain diplomatic relations” despite the development.

“Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points,” he said.

“I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken,” he added.

Mr Martin said there are “no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Israel”.

“I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken.

In a statement, the Tánaiste said 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”.

He said this has been the case regarding Ireland’s response to the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel and to Israel’s military operations since then.

“The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law,” he said.

“It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he added.

Mr Martin called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The case was initiated following the launch of military operations in Gaza after the 7 October 2023 attack.

It concerns breaches of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza.

By filing a declaration of intervention, Ireland is not joining either side in the case.

Mr Martin proposed to intervene to promote a consistent interpretation of the Genocide Convention which prioritises the protection of civilian life, and to demonstrate Ireland’s strong commitment to the rule of law and international justice.

Earlier this year, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, was recalled over the decision to recognise the State of Palestine.

The decision, announced in late May, meant the Government recognised Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations between Dublin and Ramallah.

The recognition decision was reached in coordination with Spain and Norway.