Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
33. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government was advised in advance that Israel would record an engagement with the Irish Ambassador; his response to this occurrence; his response to the engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24716/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 24 May, the Ambassadors of Ireland, Norway and Spain were called in to the Israeli Foreign Ministry to discuss the consequences of these three countries formally recognising the State of Palestine. During this meeting, the Ambassadors were shown footage of Israeli soldiers taken hostage by Hamas. The Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv was not told in advance that this meeting would be attended by Israeli media.
We are disappointed Israel took those steps. It is particularly disappointing that the Israeli Foreign Ministry chose to abandon diplomatic norms by broadcasting a meeting between officials on a highly serious and sensitive subject. Ireland has consistently condemned the horrific acts of terrorism perpetrated by Hamas and other militant groups on 7 October 2023.
We wish to maintain our bilateral relationship with Israel. I remain committed to the pursuit of constructive cooperation with Israel in line with Ireland’s full support for the two-State solution. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful, and it is most important to maintain open channels of communication.
