Israel's ambassador to Ireland has said Ireland's viewpoint of Israel is "extreme in its obsession", even within the EU.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made the decision to close the Israeli embassy in Ireland yesterday, claiming Ireland has "extreme anti-Israel tendencies".

In a statement, Tánaiste Michael Martin said he regrets that this decision has been made.

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

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he is "deeply disappointed" by the Israeli Government's decision.

Mr Harris also said he "utterly rejects" the claim that Ireland is "anti-Israel".

"Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law," he said.

Image shows Israeli embassy, Photo: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

On The Pat Kenny Show, Israel's ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich accused Ireland of "isolating itself" in its relations with Israel.

"Even within the EU, Ireland is considered extreme with its obsession, for lack of another word, against Israel," she said.

"For a year, Ireland is saying that Israel is isolated - but what we have seen is that we continue to collaborate with allies, with countries in the region, with other countries internationally who understand the threat that we are under."

Ms Elrich said an "anti-Israeli sentiment" is "ingrained" in Ireland's political system.

"Ireland has crossed the line - it seems to be stuck in an echo chamber between the media coverage and political statements," she said.

"That anti-Israeli atmosphere that needs to be broken."

Diplomatic relations

Despite the closure of the embassy, Ms Elrich said she will continue to work with the Israeli community in Ireland.

"We are not breaking diplomatic relations, we are closing the physical embassy in Dublin in order to relocate those resources and efforts to countries that do want more collaboration with Israel," she said.

"We know how hurt the Israeli and Jewish community are - but this is an important statement that we are making because unfortunately what we've seen in Ireland is an extreme policy against Israel."

Collaboration

Ms Erlich said the Israeli Government will re-allocate the resources to countries that will "collaborate" with Israel.

"This is taxpayers' money and we want to make sure it goes to the places that want more engagement with Israel on all aspects," she said.

"Unfortunately, what we have see in in Ireland is the channels of communication are open, but there is no public legitimacy to collaborate with Israel.

"That has been encouraged by the Government, unfortunately. We have not seen them attempt to stop the incitement of hatred against Israel and the embassy."

There are no plans for the Irish Embassy in Israel to close.

Feature image shows Dana Erlich at the Israeli Embassy in Dublin, PA Images / Alamy