Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris stated that “Tel Aviv cannot silence Ireland from criticizing Israeli attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
His remarks were made to reporters in the city of Dún Laoghaire following Israel’s announcement of the closure of its embassy in Dublin. Harris described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to shut down the Tel Aviv embassy in Dublin as “a distraction diplomacy tactic.”
He added, “Do you know what should be condemned, in my opinion? The killing of children. I believe that is something worth condemning. Do you know what else should be condemned? The devastating civilian death toll in Gaza. Do you know what else should be condemned? Leaving people to face hunger and blocking the flow of humanitarian aid.”
When asked about Dublin’s position, Harris responded, “Today, you are all asking about Ireland’s stance. But what about Israel’s actions? What about the atrocities Netanyahu has committed against innocent children in Gaza? This is nothing short of destructive diplomacy.”
Harris emphasized that Israel’s decision regarding its embassy was deeply regrettable and that he would have preferred it had not happened.
He also affirmed that Dublin will continue its diplomatic communications with Israel, adding, “However, no one will silence Ireland.”
On Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the closure of the Tel Aviv embassy in Ireland, citing “Ireland’s anti-Israel policies.”
Irish President Denounces Israel
Separately, Ireland’s President Michael Higgins also criticized Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin. He accused Israel of violating the sovereignty of three countries: Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt.
According to the Israel News website, Higgins further claimed that Israel was “interested in establishing settlements in Egypt,” which sparked a fierce backlash from Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismissed Higgins’ remarks as “a series of lies,” calling them “slander against Israel.”
Ireland-Israel Relations
Relations between Ireland and the Israeli occupation have been marked by intense tensions in recent years due to Ireland’s outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. Ireland has been one of the few European countries to consistently and strongly criticize Israeli policies, particularly those involving military attacks on Gaza and the violation of Palestinian rights.
In recent years, the Irish parliament has passed several resolutions condemning Israel’s actions in occupied Palestinian territories, including settlement expansion, extrajudicial killings, and mass arrests of Palestinians.
Ireland was also one of the first European countries to call for sanctions on Israel over its human rights violations.
Amid these tensions, Ireland has previously recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv on multiple occasions for consultations following Israeli military assaults on Gaza. The Irish government has repeatedly asserted that its support for Palestine aligns with its foreign policy commitment to international law and human rights.
Last week, Ireland announced its support for a legal case filed by South Africa against the Israeli occupation at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The case accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza.
Ireland’s Stance Amid the Latest Gaza Assault
Since the beginning of the Israeli assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023—which has resulted in over 152,000 Palestinian casualties, most of them women and children, including over 11,000 missing persons—Ireland has taken strong positions against crimes committed against the Palestinian people.
This escalation by Israel, coupled with widespread U.S. support, has prompted the Irish government to adopt an even firmer stance against the Israeli occupation.
