The President of Ireland has said it is "deep slander" to suggest Irish people are anti-Semitic.

Michael D. Higgins' comments follow claims made by Israeli officials in relation to the closure of the Israeli Embassy in Ireland.

Israel's Foreign Minister said Ireland has "extreme anti-Israel tendencies" and described Taoiseach Simon Harris as "Ireland's anti-Semitic Prime Minister".

Speaking at a credential ceremony for the Palestinian Ambassador, President Higgins strongly rejected these accusations.

'Deep slander'

"I think it's very important as President of Ireland that to say that the Irish people are anti-Semitic is a deep slander," he said.

"Every politician since I became President 13 years ago, has said that anybody offering Islamophobic or anti-Semitic remarks were to be reported to the policing authority.

"It is a very serious business to brand people [with anti-Semitism accusations] because they disagree with Prime Minister Netanyahu. who is in breach of international law and who has breached the sovereignty of three of his neighbours in relation to Lebanon and Syria."

President Higgins said it is ‘gross defamation and slander’ to label a people anti-Semitic because they disagree with Israel’s actions in the Middle East.

"I think it is a very serious business, to actually brand a people - because they disagree with Prime Minister Netanyahu who is in breach of so many bits of international law and who has breached the sovereignty of three of his neighbours in relation to Lebanon, Syria - to suggest that because one criticises Prime Minister Netanyahu that one is anti-Semitic is such a gross defamation and slander,” he said.

International response

President called for the return of the hostages from the October 7th attack and condemned Israel's response to the attack.

"[The response led to] the killing of 45,000 people in Gaza, about 17,000 children [and the] largest number of child amputees in the world" President Higgins said.

He said Ireland's position on Israel is informed by "breaches of international law".

President Higgins said Ireland will not be "deflected" in respecting international law and pledged to "do everything possible" to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza.

Feature image shows President Higgins with Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid during presentation of Credentials as being the first full Ambassador to Ireland from the State of Palestine at a ceremony in Aras an Uachtarain. Pic Maxwell’s