Irish Parliament Rejects Motion to Expel Israeli Ambassador Dana Erlich in Dáil Vote
Dublin: After a comprehensive two-hour debate, a motion presented by the Social Democrats seeking the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to Ireland faced joint opposition from the country’s political parties. The motion, which called for revoking the diplomatic credentials of Israel’s ambassador, Dana Erlich, received 55 votes in favour and 85 against.
The Social Democrats’ resolution urged Ireland to leverage its influence in Brussels to suspend the EU-Israel trade deal, activate a human rights clause within the agreement, and suspend Israel from the Horizon Europe research funding initiative. A separate motion by Sinn Féin, proposing the government’s referral to the International Criminal Court over Israel’s actions in Gaza, was also defeated with 58 votes in favour and 77 against.
While the Labor Party, Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and Sinn Féin supported the motion to expel the Israeli ambassador, the Irish government’s position, as articulated by Minister of State Sean Fleming, emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself. He said that while international humanitarian law applies, the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of civilians, but a humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza should now be considered a necessary and basic measure.
Outside Leinster House in Dublin, approximately 1,000 protesters voiced their demand for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador, displaying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine.” They also put up a huge sign on the streets of Dublin that read ‘Gaza’. Despite acknowledging Ireland’s advocacy for a ceasefire, the protesters emphasised the necessity of concrete actions beyond verbal condemnation.
Irish Samachar English News
Comments are closed.