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Israel will close its embassy in Dublin over “the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government”, its foreign minister has said.<\/p>\n
Gideon Saar said the Republic of Ireland had crossed “every red line”.<\/p>\n
In a statement, he said Israel’s ambassador to Dublin had been recalled in the past following what it called Ireland’s “unilateral decision to recognise a Palestinian state”.<\/p>\n
He added that the decision followed Ireland’s announcement of its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of “genocide”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Mr Saar said: “The actions and anti-semitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards.<\/p>\n
“Israel will invest its resources in advancing bilateral relations with countries worldwide according to priorities that also take into account the attitudes and actions of these states toward Israel.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Simon Harris said the decision by Israel to close its Irish embassy is “deeply regrettable”.<\/p>\n
He also rejects that Ireland is anti-Israel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
T\u00e1naiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Miche\u00e1l Martin has said there are no plans to close its embassy in Israel.<\/p>\n
Martin said he had been informed by the government of Israel of its decision to close its embassy in Dublin.<\/p>\n
He said: “I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken.”<\/p>\n
“Ireland’s position on the conflict in the Middle East has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation on all states to adhere to international humanitarian law.”<\/p>\n
He said the continuation of the war in Gaza and the “loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law.”<\/p>\n
He added: “It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said Ireland and Israel will continue to maintain diplomatic relations, adding: “Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n