No plans to close Ireland's embassy in Israel - Tánaiste

There are "no plans to close Ireland's embassy in Israel" despite the Israeli decision to close its embassy in Dublin, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin's comments follow an announcement by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar that Israel will close its embassy in Dublin in light of "the extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish government".

Mr Martin said both countries "will continue to maintain diplomatic relations".

"Inherent in that is the right to agree and disagree on fundamental points," he said.

"I believe firmly in the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels of communication and regret that this decision has been taken," he added.

Mr Martin said there are "no plans to close Ireland's embassy in Israel".

In a statement, the Tánaiste said Ireland's position on the conflict in the Middle East "has always been guided by the principles of international law and the obligation on all states to adhere to international humanitarian law".

He said this has been the case regarding Ireland’s response to the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and to Israel’s military operations since then.

"The continuation of the war in Gaza and the loss of innocent lives is simply unacceptable and contravenes international law," he said.

"It represents the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in Gaza," he added.

Mr Martin called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the Israeli move to close their Dublin office as a "deeply regrettable decision" from the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel," Mr Harris said.

"Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-International law," he added.

In a statement, Mr Harris said "Keeping channels open has never been more important so that we can better understand each other's positions, even when we disagree."

He said Ireland will "always speak up for human rights and international law", adding that "nothing will distract from that".

The Taoiseach said that Ireland "wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security".