Israel to close embassy in Ireland over ‘anti-Israeli policies’

Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland in the coming weeks because of the Irish government’s “anti-Israeli policies”.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made the announcement on Sunday after calling on the Israeli ambassador to Ireland in Dublin. Saar says the Irish government “crossed all the red lines,” and cited the nation’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

“The anti-Semitic actions and rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are based on the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, and double standards,” Saar said.

“Israel will invest its money in developing international relations with countries around the world by looking at priorities that also reflect the attitudes and actions of these regions towards Israel,” he added.

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Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said the decision was “deeply saddened” in a statement, according to the BBC. Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin echoed that view in a lengthy statement.

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“I strongly believe in the importance of maintaining communication channels and I regret that this decision was made,” said Martin.

“Ireland’s position on the Middle East conflict has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation on all states to comply with international humanitarian law,” he added.

Ireland’s new Prime Minister Simon Harris is greeted by colleagues and family members as he leaves the Dail in Dublin. (Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images)

The announcement comes as Israel is considering further strikes against Iran this week. Israeli reports on Thursday said a changing reality in the region has prompted Israel to reconsider Iran’s nuclear program, which Jerusalem and its allies in foreign countries have considered as one of the emerging threats at a time when tensions between the West and countries such as Russia and Iran continue to worsen.

The US, under the Biden administration, and its international partners including the International Atomic Energy Agency, they urged Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear installation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement on Israeli television. (Israel Government Press Office via AP)

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However, last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed this The IDF fought back and was demoted part of Iran’s nuclear program during a retaliatory strike in late October, but warned that it was not enough to stop Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon.

Fox News’ Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.