Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland

Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland yesterday, citing Dublin's decision last week to support a petition at the international court of justice accusing Israel of genocide.

- Peter Beaumont

The decision was announced by the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, who said it had been prompted by the Irish government's "extreme anti-Israeli policies", noting its decision to join the ICJ petition last week.

The Irish prime minister, Simon Harris, said on X: "This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.

"Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law."

Israel has not applied similar measures to other countries that also joined the petition, such as Egypt, Spain, and Mexico. Israel made the announcement as the death toll of Palestinians in killed in the 14-month war in Gaza approached 45,000, with dozens more deaths reported after Israeli strikes in the territory yesterday.

Announcing the closure, Sa'ar said: "It should be noted that in the past, Israel's ambassador to Dublin was recalled following Ireland's unilateral decision to recognise a 'Palestinian state'." He said the decision had been prompted by Ireland's announcement of its support for South Africa's legal action against Israel in the ICJ, in which it was accused of genocide.