Israel said it will close its embassy in Ireland in the coming weeks due to the Irish government's “extremist anti-Israel policies”.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced this on Sunday after summoning Israel's ambassador to Ireland from Dublin. Saar says the Irish government has “crossed all red lines” and points to the nation's decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
“The anti-Semitic actions and rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, coupled with double standards,” Saar said.
He added, “Israel will invest its resources in strengthening bilateral relations with countries around the world according to priorities that also take into account the positions and actions of these countries toward Israel.”
Israel closes its embassy in Ireland. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement that the decision was “extremely regrettable,” according to what was reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin echoed that sentiment in a longer statement.
“I strongly believe in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret making this decision,” Martin said.
He added that “Ireland's position on the conflict in the Middle East has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation of all states to abide by international humanitarian law.”
New Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris was greeted by colleagues and family members as he left the Dáil in Dublin. (Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images)
This announcement comes as Israel is considering launching more attacks against Iran this week. Israeli reports reported on Thursday The evolving reality in the region It prompted Israel to once again consider targeting Iran's nuclear program, which Jerusalem and its international allies viewed as one of the biggest emerging threats at a time when tensions between the West and countries like Russia and Iran continue to deteriorate.
The United States, under the Biden administration, along with its international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, They urged Israel not to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement in Israel. (Israeli government press office via AP)
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But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed last month The IDF was battered and degraded Part of Iran's nuclear program during a retaliatory strike in late October, but warned that was not enough to thwart Tehran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon.
Fox News Channel's Caitlin McFaul contributed to this report.
