The Israeli Ambassador’s criticism of Ireland amounts to the “diplomacy of distraction”, the Taoiseach has said.
Earlier today, Israel’s ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich told The Pat Kenny Show that Ireland's viewpoint of Israel is "extreme in its obsession" even within the EU.
She said that Israel has not seen the Irish Government “attempt to stop the incitement of hatred against Israel and the embassy”.
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".
"Diplomacy of distraction"
Responding to the embassy closure and Ms Erlich’s comments in a doorstep media briefing, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he would “respectfully suggest” that it is a “distraction” tactic.
“You’re all here today asking about Ireland’s position - what about Israel’s actions?” he asked.
“What about what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children of Gaza?
“This is the diplomacy of distraction.”
'Nobody is going to silence Ireland.'
Taoiseach Simon Harris calls Israel's decision to close its embassy here 'diplomacy of distraction.' He also reacts to the Israeli ambassador calling Ireland's position on Israel 'extreme', on @PatKennyNT this morning. pic.twitter.com/LXARx7a7Vm
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) December 16, 2024
The Taoiseach said it is “deeply regrettable” that Israel have taken the decision to close their embassy in Ireland.
“They have every right to take that decision to close the embassy, I’d rather it didn’t happen,” he said.
“We will continue to engage, continue to engage diplomatically - but nobody is going to silence Ireland.
“I believe in freedom of speech and people are entitled to articulate their views, but they’re not entitled to have an alternative set of facts.
Horrific
Deputy Harris said that what’s happening in the Middle East, specifically in Gaza, is “extraordinarily serious”.
“I mean, Ireland’s position has been clear on this from day one,” he said.
“We want to see the release of all hostages, absolutely.
“We condemned the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, 100% absolutely - horrific terrorist attack.
“But we also know that there are innocent children who are dying, who are being maimed, who are suffering in a way that I’m not sure the whole world can yet even fully comprehend until we see and get into Gaza.”
"It's actually getting worse"
Deputy Harris said the humanitarian aid set to enter Gaza is “not just not flowing – it’s actually getting worse”.
“There are reports from UN agencies that show not only did the situation not improve in recent times, it significantly disimproved,” he said.
There are no plans for the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel to close.
Split showing Simon Harris (R) and the Israel flag (L)
