Taoiseach called it a 'distraction' as Ambassador Dana Erlich was accused of 'mischief'
Foreign Office officials are confident there is no threat to foreign direct investment (FDI) from Ireland's move, despite the Israeli ambassador's saber-rattling yesterday.
Dana Erlich said Ireland's move to recognize a Palestinian state worries Israeli investors in the Irish technology sector.
However, sources described the ambassador's comments as “ominous” and said the government is confident there have been no economic threats or warnings from the US.
It comes as the EU is exploring possible sanctions on Israel if the country fails to comply with an International Court of Justice order.
Taoiseach Simon Harris dismissed as “a distraction” the warning from Ms Erlich, who has now been recalled to Jerusalem, that the move sends the wrong message about Ireland as a technology hub and will give Israeli investors in Ireland pause again.
The assessment of Foreign Office officials is that the recognition of Palestine is seen as a diplomatic move, although repercussions are expected in Irish-Israeli trade, which is worth around €4 billion each way.
The Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) has divested all its investments in six Israeli companies in the financial sector and some retaliation is expected.
Government officials said they would “completely reject” any suggestion that Palestinian state recognition would be anti-Israel, calling it a mischaracterization.
A government source said the focus is on diplomacy, on “core issues” and not on “the surrounding noise.”
“Our approach is to be consistent,” the source said, pointing to the administration raising violations of international law and expressing different positions on Israeli or US policies.
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said yesterday that he believes Ireland will continue to attract technology companies to work and locate here.
“I'm confident that those who are moving here and those who are here, we're going to stay here, and we're going to continue to attract here,” he said.
“Many of these major employers also have many people leading, managing and working for them who also have other strong views on what is happening in the Middle East,” the minister told RTÉ. Driving time program.
Some Israeli and Jewish commentators around the world have described the responses of individuals, corporations, academics and governments to the war in Gaza as anti-Semitism. Asked whether he believed Ms Erlich was threatening Ireland, Mr Harris said: “The ambassador can say whatever the ambassador wants. This is a country that adheres to diplomatic norms and treats ambassadors with respect.
“It certainly does not parade its ambassadors in front of television cameras where videos are played during gruesome films. We will continue to treat all ambassadors with respect.”
Mr Harris referred to a rocket attack on Rafah that reportedly killed 45 people in a displaced persons camp. It followed a Hamas rocket attack on Tel Aviv, which caused no injuries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is now on a wanted list at the International Criminal Court, said the attack on Rafah was a “tragic accident.”
The Palestinian flag will fly at Leinster House today as formal recognition was agreed in Cabinet. There will be no flying near government buildings. The Dáil will hear statements this afternoon on this historic step.
In a move likely to further irritate Israel, the current Irish representative in Palestine will be upgraded to an official ambassador, while the Palestinian mission in Ireland will become an embassy.
The Irish representative office in Ramallah will also become an official embassy.
A Palestinian ambassador to Ireland will also be appointed, who will present his credentials to President Michael D. Higgins in the coming weeks, followed by a reception with other new envoys at Iveagh House.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “outraged” by Israeli attacks “that have killed many displaced people.” “These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians,” he said.
Speaking about the overall situation in the Middle East, Mr Harris said yesterday: “I was very clear last week when we announced, together with Norway and Spain, that we had decided to recognize the State of Palestine because we believe in a two-state solution.
“We believe in the State of Israel and the State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and stability. And we believe it at a time when others are trying to bomb that hope into oblivion.
“And frankly, I think many people in Israel, many people in Palestine and around the world, are able to distinguish between the people of Israel and Netanyahu's government. I am certainly able to distinguish between the two, just as we can distinguish between good and evil.
“I think what should worry the whole world is barbaric, horrific scenes in Rafah, where a displacement center was attacked.
“That is the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Middle East. I don't think anyone fully understands the magnitude of it.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that EU foreign ministers have discussed for the first time the prospect of sanctions against Israel if the country fails to comply with an International Court of Justice order.
He suggested that Ireland would support such an approach.
“Especially if compliance is observed [with Friday’s ICJ ruling] if it doesn't happen, we have to consider all options,” he said.
The Taoiseach also said EU sanctions against Israel are not “off the table”.