Irish President Higgins asserts that Israel seeks a "settlement in Egypt," while Israel's Foreign Minister labels him an "antisemitic liar"

Image: Jihad Watch

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar labeled Ireland’s President Michael Higgins an “antisemitic liar” on Tuesday, shortly after Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin, citing Ireland's “anti-Israel” stance.

Sa’ar's remarks followed Higgins’ accusations that Israel was violating the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria and, without evidence, claiming Israel was attempting to establish settlements in Egypt.

The foreign minister defended his decision to shut down Israel’s embassy, accusing the Irish government of fostering antisemitism under a prime minister he criticized for harboring anti-Jewish sentiments.

In response, Higgins on Tuesday stated that branding an entire people based on their opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu was a serious issue. He argued that Netanyahu’s actions violated international law and the sovereignty of neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt.

During a ceremony where Palestinian Authority envoy Jilan Abdalmajid presented her letter of credence, Higgins further asserted, “To suggest that criticizing Netanyahu equates to antisemitism is a serious defamation and slander.”

Ireland has been a prominent critic of Israel since the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, mostly civilians.

Higgins also claimed that Israel’s diplomatic actions were part of a broader strategy to harm Ireland, though he did not elaborate further.

In May, Israel recalled its ambassador after Ireland, alongside two other EU countries, announced it would recognize a Palestinian state unilaterally. Ireland has not recalled its envoy to Israel. In November, the Irish parliament passed a nonbinding motion condemning Israel for committing “genocide” in Gaza.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)