Israel Closes Embassy in Ireland Over 'Extreme Anti-Israel Policies'; Opens Embassy in Moldova

Dec 15, 2024, 12:52 PM

Israel has announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, citing the Irish government's "extreme anti-Israel policies" and "antisemitic acts and rhetoric." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Ireland has crossed "all the red lines" in its relations with Israel, accusing the country of delegitimization, demonization, and double standards against the Jewish state. The decision comes after Ireland joined the International Court of Justice case accusing Israel of genocide. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the move, saying that closing the embassy gives victory to antisemitism and anti-Israel organizations, and that the way to confront criticism is not to withdraw but to stay and fight. Israel will also open a new embassy in Moldova.