Israel to close its embassy in Dublin

(Patria) - Israel announced yesterday that it will close its embassy in Ireland, citing Dublin's decision to join a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague accusing Israel of genocide.

The decision was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa‘ar, who said it was prompted by the "extreme anti-Israeli policy" of the Irish government, specifying its decision to join the ICJ petition.

Israel has not taken similar measures against other countries, including Egypt, Spain, and Mexico, which have also joined the petition.

- It should be noted that the Israeli ambassador to Dublin was recalled after Ireland's unilateral decision to recognize the state of Palestine - said Sa‘ar.

He also points out that the move "was prompted by Ireland's announcement of support for South Africa's legal proceedings against Israel before the ICJ, accusing Israel of genocide."

- The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, along with double standards. Ireland has crossed every possible red line in its relations with Israel.

Israel will invest its resources in advancing bilateral relations with countries around the world according to priorities that also take into account the positions and actions of those states towards Israel - stated Sa‘ar.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris considers Israel's decision deeply regrettable.

- I completely reject the claim that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is for peace, human rights, and international law. Ireland wants Israel and Palestine to be two states living in peace. Ireland will always advocate for human rights and international law. Nothing will deter us from that - Harris said.

Ireland and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1975. Relations between the two countries have been tense for some time as Dublin advocates for the independence of Palestine.

The Irish Prime Minister announced in November that Ireland would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he set foot on its soil. He said this after the ICJ issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

The ICJ claims that Israeli Prime Minister and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant committed the war crime of starvation and crimes against humanity such as murder and persecution.