Ireland’s Prime Minister Said Israel Closing Its Irish Embassy Is A Distraction From Its Genocide In Gaza

Ireland’s prime minister Simon Harris has called out Israel’s decision to close the Israeli embassy in Dublin, calling it a diplomatic move to “distract” from what Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu “is doing to the innocent children of Gaza.”

On Sunday, Dec. 15, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the closure, blaming Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” 

Saar accused the Irish government of using “antisemitic rhetoric” and said Ireland had crossed “every red line” in its relationship with Israel.

He mentioned the decision was also linked to Ireland’s recognition of Palestinian state and its support for South Africa's legal case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel committing genocide in Gaza.

Responding to questions from reporters about Israel’s decision to close the embassy, Harris said, “You are all here asking about Ireland’s position. But what about Israel’s actions? What about what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children of Gaza?” 

Harris said he “deeply regretted” Israel’s decision but insisted “Ireland would not be silenced”.

He highlighted the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying, what is happening is“extraordinarily serious.” 

Harris stressed the importance of releasing hostages and condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel.

“But there are innocent children who are dying, who are being maimed, who are suffering in a way that the world cannot fully comprehend until we see and get into Gaza,” he said. 

Harris also slammed Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, saying the situation had “significantly disimproved.”

Since Ireland formally recognized Palestine “as a sovereign and independent” state in May, relations between Israel and Ireland have been strained.

In addition, after the ICC's issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November, Harris has declared that Ireland would act to arrest Netanyahu if the Israeli prime leader visited Ireland.

A week earlier on Dec. 11, Ireland announced it will speak at the ICJ alongside South Africa in the genocide case.

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