Israel has announced that it will shut down its embassy in Ireland, accusing Dublin of pursuing extreme anti-Israel policies and engaging in what it described as antisemitic actions and rhetoric.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that Ireland’s actions amount to delegitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, pointing to recent developments, including Dublin’s plans to unilaterally recognise Palestinian statehood alongside Spain and Norway.
“Ireland has crossed all red lines in its relationship with Israel,” Sa’ar said, highlighting Dublin’s involvement in a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians.
The diplomatic ties between the two nations have been increasingly strained, particularly after Israel recalled its ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, in May. While Israel plans to redirect its diplomatic efforts to countries it considers more supportive, Ireland has yet to withdraw its envoy from Tel Aviv.
In the wake of the embassy closure, Israel announced plans to open an embassy in Moldova within the next year.
The decision comes during international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have claimed over 44,900 lives since October 2023, according to reports. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence chief Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
