Israel Closes Embassy in Ireland... "Anti-Semitic Speech"

The Times of Israel reported on the 15th local time that Israel has closed its embassy in Ireland, saying it favors policies against the country.

"Ireland uses anti-Semitic rhetoric against Israel based on its double standards of outlawing and demonizing the Jewish state," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sarr said in a statement.

Last week, the Irish government decided to join South Africa's International Court of Justice (ICJ) lawsuit that brought war crimes charges against Israel.

Israel had already summoned its ambassador to Ireland when Ireland declared in May that it would recognize the Palestinians as sovereign states.

"Ireland has crossed a red line in its relationship with Israel," Sarr said, adding that Israel will invest resources in promoting bilateral relations by prioritizing according to the attitudes of countries around the world.

He added that he decided to open a new embassy in Moldova next year and started selecting sites and selecting ambassadors.

"I am deeply sorry for the Netanyahu government's decision," Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said on X. "I completely reject the claim that Ireland is anti-Israel."

"Ireland supports peace, human rights and international law and wants a two-state solution," Harris said, adding that she wanted Israel and the Palestinians to live peacefully and safely.