Ireland Defends Stance After Israel Embassy Closure

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin emphasized that Ireland's calls for accountability regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza should not be interpreted as hostility. This statement comes in response to Israel's decision to close its embassy in Dublin, which Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attributed to what he considers extreme anti-Israel policies by the Irish government. Martin defended Ireland's stance, asserting support for ceasefire efforts and international legal accountability for war crimes, while also noting widespread anger across Europe over civilian casualties in Gaza. In contrast, Sa'ar accused Ireland of antisemitism and undermining Israel's legitimacy, claiming that Ireland has crossed significant diplomatic boundaries. Taoiseach Simon Harris characterized Israel's embassy closure as a 'diplomacy of distraction' and reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to human rights and freedom of speech regarding the Palestinian situation. Harris stated that while he regrets the embassy's closure, Ireland will continue to advocate for the Palestinian people and engage diplomatically without silencing its views.