Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister) has declared that Israel’s embassy closure in Dublin won’t “silence” Ireland’s criticism of Israel’s aggression against the Palestinians.

Over the weekend, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the embassy closure and accused the Irish government of ‘antisemitic rhetoric.’

The comments came after Ireland revealed last week that it would support South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Ireland already recognised a Palestinian state along with Norway and Spain in May.

Taoiseach Simon Harris responded on X to Israel’s decision to close the embassy: “This is a deeply regrettable decision from the Netanyahu government. 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.”

He went further with reporters in Dublin on Monday after he was quizzed on Israel’s comments about his and Ireland’s stance on Israel.

“You know what I think is reprehensible? Killing children, I think that’s reprehensible,” he said. “You know what I think is reprehensible? Seeing the scale of civilian deaths that we’ve seen in Gaza. You know what I think is reprehensible? People being left to starve and humanitarian aid not flowing.”

He added that the closure of Ireland’s embassy was a “distraction” and that he is proud of Ireland’s support for the Palestinians.

“You’re all here today asking about Ireland’s position. What about Israel’s actions? What about what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children in Gaza?”

Ireland joins South Africa’s ICJ genocide case

In his announcement, Saar claimed that the “actions, double standards, and antisemitic rhetoric of the Irish government against Israel are rooted in efforts to delegitimise and demonise the Jewish state.”

Opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin urged the government to maintain its position on Israel and Gaza, characterising Israel’s embassy closure in Dublin as a test of Irish resolve. She called for increased international pressure on Netanyahu’s government.

Ireland announced its plan to intervene at the International Court of Justice on December 11. The country’s foreign ministry said there has been “a collective punishment of the Palestinian people through the intent and impact of military actions of Israel in Gaza”.

“Ireland will be asking the ICJ to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a State.”

“We are concerned that a narrow interpretation… leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimised.”

In May, Ireland joined Norway and Spain in formally recognising the State of Palestine — a move seen as a monumental development for the Palestinian cause.

Hossam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, hailed the move by the three countries.

“History is being made. Thank you Ireland, Norway and Spain for recognising our inalienable right to self-determination and our distinct national identity,” he wrote on X.

“This will move us closer to justice and a sustainable peace. We urge the few remaining countries in the world, especially the UK, with its historic responsibility, to follow suit and provide a long overdue path out from occupation, colonisation, oppression and apartheid, to equality under law and accountability.”