Ireland–Israel relations

Ireland–Israel relations

Ireland

Israel

Ireland–Israel relations are foreign relations between Ireland and Israel. Relations between the two countries have been complex and generally strained due to their conflicting positions on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Relations deteriorated significantly during the Gaza war that began in October 2023, amid Ireland's criticism of Israel's war crimes in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the territory. The Irish government, led by Taoiseach Simon Harris (and previously Leo Varadkar), repeatedly called for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and was among the most outspoken European critics of Israel's conduct during the conflict.

Diplomatic tensions intensified in 2024 when Ireland joined Spain and Norway in recognizing the State of Palestine, prompting strong criticism and diplomatic protests from Israel. In late 2024, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, citing Ireland's "anti-Israel" stance. In January 2025, Ireland announced it would join South Africa's Gaza genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.