Today, I have instructed the closure of Israel’s Embassy in Ireland. The actions, double standards, and antisemitic rhetoric of the Irish government against Israel are rooted in efforts to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state.

The Irish government recognized a “Palestinian state” during attacks on Israel (a move praised by Hamas), attempted to redefine ‘genocide’ in international law to support baseless claims against Israel at the ICJ, backed politically motivated cases at the ICC, promoted anti-Israel measures within the EU, and fostered hostility toward Israel.

Notably, Ireland is one of the few European countries that has not adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and its government has failed to take effective measures to combat the surge of antisemitism within Ireland. Israel will focus its resources on strengthening bilateral relations with countries worldwide, according to priorities that also take into account the attitudes and actions of these states toward Israel.

Ireland’s respone

Simon Harris, PM of Ireland
16 Dec 2024: In defiant criticism of the decision of Ireland, @SimonHarrisTD said: “You know what I think is reprehensible? Killing children … You know what I think is reprehensible? People being left to starve & humanitarian aid not flowing.”

16 Dec 2024: President Michael D Higgins has said that to say the Irish people are anti-Semitic is a gross defamation and slander, and it is a very serious business to do so simply because people disagree with the actions of the Israel

Irish PM on Israel closing its embassy in Dublin: “Ireland is not anti-Israeli. But Ireland is absolutely anti- starvation of children, is absolutely anti-killing of civilians and is absolutely pro-peace, pro-international law and pro-human rights. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is deeply appalling and concerning.”