Israel closes its embassy in Ireland over anti-Israel policies

Israel announced on Sunday the closure of its embassy in Ireland. Through a statement, the Foreign Ministry claimed that the Dublin government upholds "extreme anti-Israel policies."

Relations between Israel and Ireland are strained after Dublin recognized the Palestinian state in late May and approved the appointment of a Palestinian ambassador. In addition Ireland announced that it will join the proceedings initiated before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by South Africa against the Government of Israel.

"Ireland has crossed every red line"

"The decision to close Israel’s embassy in Dublin was made in light of the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government," the foreign ministry said in a statement obtained by AFP.

"Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar added in the statement.

Meanwhile, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris criticized Israel's decision. "This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law," Harris said on his X account.