Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris of antisemitism on Monday, following Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin, citing Ireland’s policies towards Israel.
“There is a difference between criticism – and antisemitism based on the delegitimization and dehumanization of Israel and double standards towards Israel,” Saar said. He criticized Ireland’s support for International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings against Israeli leaders and an action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Saar referenced a recent statement by Harris, who said in an interview, “Ireland is not anti-Israel but Ireland is absolutely anti the starvation of children.” In response, Saar retorted, “Is Israel starving children?” and claimed Israel was facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza while accusing Hamas of exploiting aid and using civilians as human shields.
The closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin underscores Israel’s increasing isolation over its military campaign in Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
In its response, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities, displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and caused extensive destruction.
Harris called Israel’s embassy closure “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that Ireland would always advocate for human rights and international law.
