Ireland’s backing of a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that claims genocide in connection with Israel’s actions in Gaza has drawn public criticism from Israel’s consul general, Kobbi Shoshani. Ireland’s move to join South Africa’s legal proceedings, which seek to expand the definition of genocide to encompass actions by the Israeli state during its military operations, has prompted this criticism.
Shoshani was disappointed in his remarks, pointing out that Ireland’s participation in the ICJ case feeds into a narrative that undermines Israel’s legitimacy. He maintained that such acts jeopardize attempts at peace and understanding between the two countries in addition to damaging diplomatic ties. Shoshani’s remarks are in line with a larger sentiment among Israeli leadership, which has called Ireland’s policies “extreme anti-Israel” and charged that it treats Israel unfairly while ignoring comparable behavior by other nations.\\
Given the circumstances, Israel recently decided to close its embassy in Dublin, citing what Israeli officials say is Ireland’s “anti-Israel stance.” Irish officials have expressed regret over this closure, claiming that their nation is not anti-Israel and is dedicated to peace and human rights.
