Israel announced it would close its embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of “crossing all red lines”.

In a dazzling attack IsraelForeign Minister Gideon Saar said the closure was due to “extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision, while Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin said there were no plans to close the Irish embassy in Israel.

Mr Harris also said he “totally rejects” Ireland’s claim againstIsrael. This comes after the Irish government officially recognized the Palestinian state earlier this year.

It emerged this week that Ireland will formally intervene in the South African genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Dublin will ask the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes genocide.

Mr Martin said on Wednesday (December 11) that the Irish government was concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide could lead to “a culture of impunity” in which the protection of civilians is “minimised”.

IsraelIsrael’s ambassador to Dublin was recalled in May following Ireland’s recognition of the Palestinian state.

Mr Sa’ar said: “The anti-Semitic actions and rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, as well as the practice of double standards. Ireland has crossed all the red lines in its relations with Israel.

“Israel will invest its resources in developing bilateral relations with countries around the world according to priorities that also take into account the attitudes and actions of these states towards Israel“.

Mr Harris responded: “I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the Israeli government to close its embassy in Dublin. Ireland’s foreign policy is founded on our deep commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

“Resident embassies play a very important role in this. Keeping channels open has never been more important so that we can better understand each other’s positions, even when we disagree.”

He continued: “I categorically reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland supports peace, human rights and international law.

“Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always defend human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that. »

Tanaiste Mr Martin said he believed in the importance of maintaining diplomatic lines of communication.

He said: “Ireland’s position on the conflict in the Middle East has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation of all States to adhere to international humanitarian law.

“This was the case with regard to our response to the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, and the conduct of Israel of its military operations since then.

Mr Martin said the continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives was simply unacceptable and contravened international law.

The war in Gaza began after Hamas and other militants from the territory swept into the south. Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

IsraelGaza’s retaliatory offensive has killed nearly 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ministry’s count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, but it indicates that more than half of the dead are women and children.

Mr. Martin said the war in Gaza represents collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an influx of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Irish Deputy Prime Minister also said his country and Israel would continue to maintain diplomatic relations, adding: “That involves the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points.” There are no plans to close the Irish Embassy in Israel, which carries out important work. “.