Israel to shut Dublin embassy following Ireland’s support for genocide petition

The ICC has accused Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of war crimes, including the starvation of civilians in Gaza. Israel has appealed the ICC warrants.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: December 16, 2024 06:42 AM IST

3 min read

Military actions in Gaza have caused collective punishment of the Palestinian people, leaving 44,000 dead and millions displaced. (File Photo)

Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland after Dublin backed a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the decision was due to the Irish government’s “extreme anti-Israeli policies,” pointing to its support for the ICJ case last week.

In response, Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Simon Harris criticised the move, stating on social media:

“This is a deeply regrettable decision by the Netanyahu government. Ireland is not anti-Israel—we are pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law. Ireland supports a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can live in peace and security”, The Guardian reported.

Also read | Israeli strike in central Gaza kills at least 25 people

Ireland joined South Africa’s legal action against Israel under the Genocide Convention. Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin explained the decision, saying: “Ireland will urge the ICJ to take a broader view of what constitutes genocide. A narrow interpretation creates a culture of impunity, minimising civilian protections. Military actions in Gaza have caused collective punishment of the Palestinian people, leaving 44,000 dead and millions displaced”, reported The Guardian.

Israel, however, has not taken similar steps against other countries, such as Egypt, Spain, or Mexico, that also joined the ICJ petition. Sa’ar accused Ireland of crossing “all red lines,” calling its actions “antisemitic” and based on “delegitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state.”

He announced plans to shift Israel’s diplomatic focus to countries like Moldova, which are “interested in strengthening ties” with Israel.

Also read | UN General Assembly demands ceasefire in Gaza, backs UN agency helping Palestinian refugees

The move to close the embassy follows Ireland’s strained relationship with Israel over its strong support for Palestine. In November, Harris stated Ireland would detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited, citing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Story continues below this ad

The ICC has accused Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of war crimes, including the starvation of civilians in Gaza. Israel has appealed the ICC warrants.

As tensions rise, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue, with reports of dozens killed, including children and journalists. Irish officials have reiterated their commitment to promoting human rights and upholding international law.

From the homepage