Israel Closes Embassy in Ireland Over Dispute on Anti-Israel Policies

TEL AVIV: Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced the closure of Israel’s embassy in Ireland on Sunday, accusing Ireland of promoting “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Sa’ar cited actions and rhetoric from the Irish government, accusing it of delegitimizing Israel and engaging in a “demonization” campaign against the Jewish state.

According to a foreign ministry statement, Sa’ar remarked, “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.” He added that Israel would reallocate its diplomatic resources to strengthen bilateral ties with other nations, considering their stance toward Israel.

The decision follows Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its backing of South Africa’s legal case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case, brought by South Africa, challenges Israel over its actions in Gaza, and Israel’s involvement in addressing potential genocidal acts has come under scrutiny. The ICJ ruled in January, urging Israel to take measures to prevent such acts, but did not accuse Israel of genocide.

Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, criticized the embassy closure on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “victory for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel organizations” and argued that the proper response to criticism is engagement, not retreat.

Ireland’s government has long shown support for the Palestinian cause, with its decision in March to intervene in the genocide case against Israel at the ICJ reflecting this stance. The ongoing diplomatic tensions signal a further escalation in the strained relations between the two nations.