Dublin (Quds News Network)- Israel announced on Sunday its decision to shut down its embassy in Dublin. The move follows what it called Ireland’s "extreme anti-Israel policies," including recognition of a Palestinian state and support for legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the decision was necessary due to Ireland’s “anti-Israel rhetoric and actions.” Sa’ar accused Dublin of crossing "every red line" in its relations with the occupation state, citing double standards and delegitimization of Israel.
Ireland Rejects Accusations
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called the decision “deeply regrettable” and rejected claims that Ireland is anti-Israel.
“Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law,” Harris said on X (formerly Twitter). “We want a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can live in peace and security.”
Foreign Minister Micheál Martin added that diplomatic relations would continue, with no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Tel Aviv.
Ireland has been vocal in its criticism of Israel's crimes in Gaza. In October, during the war, Irish lawmakers called for the expulsion of Israel's ambassador from Dublin.
Ireland joined South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ against Israel. Israel’s recall of its Dublin ambassador earlier this year, after Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state, further escalated tensions.
Palestinians who returned to the Gaza Strip on Monday via the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt described a humiliating process as they were blindfolded, interrogated, and abused by the Israeli military. One woman declared, “No to displacement,” adding that Israel intends to allow more Palestinians to leave Gaza than to enter.
In January alone, Israeli forces and settlers carried out 28 raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and prevented the call to prayer 57 times at the Ibrahimi Mosque, an official report said.
Israel is holding the bodies of around 777 identified Palestinians, including 88 detainees who died in Israeli prisons amid reports of torture and medical negligence, according to a Palestinian organization advocating for their release.