In an unprecedented move, Israel has closed its diplomatic base in Dublin, citing Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policy” as the primary reason. The decision underscores the deteriorating relations between the two nations, driven by Ireland’s increasing hostility towards the Jewish state.
The tipping point appears to be Ireland’s recent decision to join South Africa’s lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. This provocative action seeks to redefine genocide in a manner that targets Israeli leadership.
The charge of genocide is particularly vile, with Dublin politicians accusing the world’s sole Jewish nation of committing the historic atrocity that was once done to the Jews. There has been no parallel prosecution of Hamas, which launched the October 7th pogrom last year, the single most lethal attack on Jews since the Holocaust itself.
Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, condemned Ireland’s actions, stating
The antisemitic rhetoric and biased actions of the Irish government have crossed all red lines. Ireland has chosen to delegitimise and demonise Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, while ignoring the actions of terror groups like Hamas.
Ireland’s hostility has been escalating since October 7th. It formally recognised a Palestinian state earlier this year and declared it would enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he set foot in Ireland. In contrast, other governments have been more measured. Germany simply said it had “taken note” of the arrest warrant. Elsewhere, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán announced he would invite Netanyahu to Budapest and not arrest him.
Meanwhile, Israel is redirecting its diplomatic focus to other nations, with plans to open a new embassy in Moldova. This decision reflects a broader strategy of strengthening ties with nations willing to engage with Israel constructively.
The Irish government, led by Taoiseach Simon Harris, dismissed allegations of antisemitism but stopped short of acknowledging the damage caused by its policies. “Ireland will always stand for human rights and international law,” Harris claimed, while continuing to support measures that single out Israel. Notably, Dublin has ignored Israel’s consistent concerns about Hamas, a terrorist organisation responsible for launching attacks against Israeli civilians—culminating in the October 7th pogrom.
Israel’s actions come amidst rising antisemitic incidents in Ireland. Death threats against Dana Erlich, Israel’s ambassador to Ireland, and a hate crime targeting a Jewish student wearing a Star of David in Dublin, highlight the toxic environment fostered by the Irish government’s rhetoric. This hostility has emboldened extremists and left Irish Jews feeling vulnerable.
Critics argue that Ireland’s long-standing affinity for the Palestinian cause is rooted in a misguided parallel with its own historical struggles. However, this sympathy has devolved into an unbalanced stance that disregards the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By focusing exclusively on condemning Israel, Ireland has failed to acknowledge the devastating impact of Hamas’ terrorist activities on both Israeli and Palestinian lives.
Israel’s decision to close its Dublin embassy sends a clear message: biased policies and rhetoric have consequences. At a time when antisemitism is on the rise globally, nations like Ireland must choose whether to support constructive dialogue or perpetuate divisive narratives. By prioritising ideological bias over genuine efforts for peace, Ireland has alienated itself from Israel and tarnished its reputation as a fair and impartial advocate for human rights.
