Simon Harris said he would not respond to “personalised and false attacks” but rather maintain focus on the “horrific war crimes being committed in Gaza” as Israel said it would close its embassy in Dublin
Relations between Ireland and Israel chilled further yesterday, with allegations of antisemitism by Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar against Taoiseach Simon Harris.
Defending the decision to close the Israeli embassy on Sunday, Mr Sa’ar said: “There is a difference between criticism and antisemitism based on the delegitimisation and dehumanisation of Israel and double standards towards Israel.”
He cited Ireland’s support for what he called “politicised” proceedings against Israeli leaders by the International Criminal Court, as well as Irish support for an action at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide over its campaign in Gaza.
Mary Lou McDonald said there have to be consequences for Israel in relation to its ongoing war in Gaza against Hamas
“Last night Ireland’s antisemitic prime minister Simon Harris said in an interview ‘Ireland is not anti-Israel, but Ireland is absolutely anti the starvation of children’,” Mr Sa’ar said. “Is Israel starving children?”
He claimed Israel was working to enable humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and prevent civilian casualties. This claim comes as the death toll in Gaza crossed 45,000 since the beginning of the war.
A spokesperson said Mr Harris will not be responding to allegations of antisemitism, saying: “The Taoiseach will not be responding to personalised and false attacks and remains focused on the horrific war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza, standing up for human rights and international law and reflecting the views of so many people across Ireland who are so concerned at the loss of innocent, civilian lives.”
Government sources said they are closely monitoring for any potential fallout due to the row and said it was “stark” that Ireland was singled out for the closure of its embassy.
There is no immediate concern it could cause reputational damage to Ireland as a trading partner.
However, sources have said the potential impact on trade and Irish business will be monitored going forward, as Ireland’s open economy relies heavily on international trade.
While alarm bells were not said to be going off, it is believed that if Israeli embassies in other countries were to be closed, this would be more favourable, instead of Ireland being singled out.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Harris accused Israel of engaging in “distraction” policies, when asked why he believed only the embassy in Ireland was closing.
“I’d respectfully suggest that possibly because it works as a distraction. You’re all here today asking about Ireland’s position. What about Israel’s actions?” Mr Harris said.
“This is the diplomacy of distraction, and I think it is deeply regrettable that they took that decision. They have every right to take that decision, to close the embassy. I’d rather it didn’t happen.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich claimed there was “a growing incitement and hatred towards anything Israeli [in Ireland], and unfortunately, it has crossed the line”.
“These are tough days. It was a tough decision that was not taken lightly but unfortunately, in the currently hostile atmosphere in Ireland, supported, fostered by the Irish Government, this is the correct diplomatic decision to take,” Ms Erlich told RTÉ’s News at One.
She accused the Irish Government of taking steps that are “about isolating and discriminating against Israel” and said the claims brought to the International Court of Justice are “baseless”.
In response to the comments, a government source rejected all of Ms Erlich’s contentions and accusations, indicating they were not deemed worthy of being publicly addressed.
“Not everyone in the Israeli government follows that line,” the source said, referring to dissension and occasional tensions within the ruling coalition in the Knesset.
“Ireland’s position is consistent. We respect human rights, international law and humanitarian concepts. We answer to international law and uphold it, and we adhere to the multilateral system.
“This means that when we go to Washington we will raise issues, as we have in relation to the Middle East conflict in the recent past, in the White House.
“We will also raise human rights with China, or with other countries.”
There is no cabinet meeting this week and the Government does not expect to discuss the Israeli decision in the near future, the source said, adding: “The Irish Government is united on this, and even has the support of the opposition, even if some on the left are saying that we are not doing enough.”