Israel Shuts Down Embassy in Ireland Over Palestine Recognition, Genocide Allegations

Israeli Foreign Minister cites Ireland’s pro-Palestinian stance and support for ICJ genocide case as reasons for embassy closure.

Tel Aviv [Israel], December 16: Israel has announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, citing Dublin’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its backing of a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The move was confirmed by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Sunday, who criticized the Irish government’s “anti-Israel policies.”

“Today, I have instructed the closure of Israel’s Embassy in Ireland. The actions, double standards, and antisemitic rhetoric of the Irish government are rooted in efforts to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state,” Sa’ar wrote in a post on X.

Sa’ar accused Ireland of politically motivated actions, including supporting the ICJ genocide case and advocating anti-Israel measures within the European Union. He also noted that Ireland has not adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and has failed to address rising antisemitism within its borders.

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yair Lapid criticized the decision, suggesting that Israel should maintain embassies precisely in countries where disagreements with the government exist. “Israel needs to maintain embassies in places where there are acute conflicts. A foreign minister avoiding conflicts is not doing his job,” Lapid posted on X.

Ireland has long been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, drawing historical parallels between the Irish struggle against British colonial rule and the Palestinian cause. Earlier this year, Ireland became one of three European countries to officially recognize a Palestinian state and supported an ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The decision to close the embassy comes amid heightened tensions. In November, the Irish parliament passed a nonbinding resolution declaring that “genocide is being perpetrated before our eyes by Israel in Gaza.”

Reacting to Israel’s move, 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. We will continue to advocate for a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully,” Harris said.

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin affirmed that diplomatic ties would be maintained and clarified that Ireland has no plans to close its embassy in Israel.