“Palestinian Flag Flies Over Irish Parliament, Israel Warns of Repercussions for Pro-Palestinian Stance”
Dublin: Israel’s ambassador to Ireland has issued a stark warning regarding Ireland’s pro-Palestinian stance. Following Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine, Israel recalled Ambassador Dana Erlich. Speaking in Jerusalem after consultations with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Erlich cautioned that this decision would have repercussions for Ireland’s reputation, particularly as a technical hub.
Israeli investors in the IT services sector have expressed concern, and there are accusations that Ireland is showing favouritism towards Palestine. Erlich emphasised that this recognition could damage Ireland’s image and potentially lead Israeli investors to reconsider their presence in the country. The Israeli technical services sector plays a significant role in the $5 billion trade relationship with Ireland.
Bilateral Relations at Risk
Erlich highlighted that bilateral relations, especially in areas like cybersecurity, healthcare, and climate change, are now uncertain. She noted that Israel is reviewing all aspects of its relationship with Ireland and that the government will determine the next steps. This comes as Israel’s national airline, El Al, announced it would discontinue direct flights to Dublin, which had only begun last year.
Accusations of Bias
Erlich criticised Ireland’s position as neither neutral nor honest, accusing it of internal bias towards the Palestinians. She argued that recognising Palestine at this time is inappropriate and that many in Ireland disagree with the government’s partisan policy. Despite no sanctions or economic boycotts against Israel, Ireland had previously seen investment funds worth €15 billion withdrawn from six Israeli companies involved in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Response from Irish Officials
Prime Minister Simon Harris defended Ireland’s decision, asserting that it is not about taking sides but about supporting peace. He emphasised that recognising Palestine is essential for a two-state solution and criticised Israel’s ongoing attacks on Rafah and Hamas’s rocket attacks. Harris reaffirmed that Ireland’s approach aims to foster peace and that trade arrangements with the European Union and Israel would continue.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin echoed these sentiments, condemning violence from both sides and calling for a non-military solution to the conflict. He underscored Ireland’s position that recognising both Israel and Palestine is crucial for normalising relations and achieving peace.
Ireland’s main political parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, are preparing to raise the Palestinian flag in the Irish Parliament to show solidarity with Palestine. This move symbolises Ireland’s support for Palestinian statehood and its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp
Comments are closed.