Israel orders closure of Dublin embassy, blaming ‘extreme anti-Israel policy of Irish government’ | World News

Israel’s foreign minister has ordered the closure of the country’s embassy in Dublin, citing the Irish government’s “extreme anti-Israel policy”.

Gideon Sa’ar said the decision is a result of “the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government”, and that “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel”.

“The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the delegitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards,” he said in a statement.

The minister pointed to Ireland’s decision earlier this year to recognise a Palestinian state, for which Israel recalled its ambassador from Dublin.

The decision also comes after the Irish government said it would ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to broaden its definition of genocide – claiming Israel has engaged in the “collective punishment” of people in Gaza.

Israel will instead “adjust Israel’s diplomatic network of missions” to strengthen ties with countries that want to do the same with Israel, but do not yet have an embassy.

For that reason, Mr Sa’ar said Israel will open an embassy in Moldova, and has instructed officials to find a suitable building and initiate the process of appointing an ambassador.

Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister) said in a post on X that the decision is “deeply regrettable”.

Simon Harris added: “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. Nothing will distract from that.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.