Dec. 15 (UPI) — Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar ordered the closure of Israel’s embassy in Ireland on Sunday, over the European nation’s recognition of a Palestinian state and criticism of the Middle Eastern country amid its war against Iran-backed Hamas.
“The actions, double standards and anti-Semitic rhetoric of the Irish government against Israel are rooted in efforts to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state,” Sa’ar said in a statement.
Ireland has been a vocal critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, which has only increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, 2023.
In May, Ireland took the mostly symbolic step of recognizing a Palestinian state and pledged to establish full diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Simon Harris at the time described the move as trying to keep “hope alive.”
“It is about believing that a two-state solution is the only way for Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security,” he said.
Last week, Ireland joined South Africa’s case in the International Court of Justice that accuses Israel of committing genocide of the Palestinians amid its war against Hamas in Gaza.
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s minister of foreign affairs and defense, confirmed in a statement that he had been informed of Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin.
He said he regrets the decision but that the two countries will continue to maintain diplomatic relations.
He also stood by Ireland’s position on Israel, stating it “has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation of all States to adhere to international humanitarian law.”
“The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law,” Martin said.
“It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, nearly 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s 14-month-long war against Hamas in Gaza.
Yair Lapid, leader of Israel’s opposition, described the decision to close his country’s embassy in Ireland as “a victory for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel organizations.”
“The way to deal with criticism is not to run away, but to stay and fight,” he said on X.
Sa’ar responded by chastising Lapid for defining Ireland’s stance toward Israel as criticism rather than anti-Semitic.
“Shame on you, Yair!” he said on X.
“This is distinct anti-Semitism based on delegitimization, dehumanization and double standards towards the Jewish state.”
