Israel has announced in a statement today that it will be closing its embassy in Ireland due to "extreme anti-Israel policies”.
The decision was announced in a statement this afternoon by Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
The Taoiseach has said the decision is ‘deeply regrettable’.
This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law. https://t.co/rDga5GpT3u
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) December 15, 2024
There are no plans to close the Irish embassy in Israel.
Ambassador Dana Erlich - who was recalled to Israel last May - issued a statement earlier this year claiming she was concerned for the future of the Jewish and Israeli communities in Ireland.
Simon Harris has said he rejects any suggestion that Ireland is anti-Israel; and that Ireland is 'pro-peace', pro-human rights and pro-international law.
The development marks a significant setback in bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs here has said it's aware of today's announcement.
Main image: An Israeli flag flies outside its embassy in Dublin on 26-2-2010. Image: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ie
