The decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” In May, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin after Ireland announced, along with Norway, Spain and Slovenia, it would recognize a Palestinian state.
The Irish Cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies it.
“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,” said Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Micheal Martin.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's statement on the embassy closure said “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.”
The war in Gaza began after Hamas terrorists stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and massacred more than 1200 men, women and children.
