Ireland has joined a growing number of countries in accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. In May, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin after Ireland announced, along with Norway, Spain and Slovenia, it would recognize a Palestinian state. Then last week the Irish Cabinet decided to formally intervene in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
As a result, Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar announced the embassy closure saying, "Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel."
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has rejected the Israeli government’s characterization. He said Ireland will continue to speak out for human rights, international law and a two-state solution.
Jan Markell is founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries and host of Understanding the Times on American Family Radio.
"A disfavor of the Jews is growing globally. It doesn't have to be a Muslim country, and I think we're going to see this probably spread a little bit throughout Europe. Obviously not everybody, there are still believers over there, but I think this is a trend that we just should be watching, and it's very troubling."
Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said the two countries will maintain diplomatic relations and that there are no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Israel.
Hope with a Trump presidency
Markell is hopeful that pro-Israel Donald Trump's return to the White House will make a difference.
"I think his influence will be incredible. I really do. And I believe that one of the primary reasons Donald Trump was elected president of the United States would be his positions on Israel and his pro-Israel policies. Is it perfect? It's not perfect, but it's so far and ahead beyond any president we've had in the past that we're just thankful for what we're seeing. Absolutely."
Markell predicts the second term of Donald Trump is going to be filled with surprises.
