President Michael D Higgins says it is ‘slander’ for Israeli minister to accuse Irish people of antisemitism over Gaza stance

Simon Harris said he would not respond to “personalised and false attacks” but rather maintain focus on the “horrific war crimes being committed in Gaza” as Israel said it would close its embassy in DublinIrish Government monitors potential business fallout after Israeli minister accuses Taoiseach Simon Harris of antisemitism

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar yesterday accused Taoiseach Simon Harris of antisemitism as Israel said it would shut its embassy in Dublin. Ireland has angered the Israeli government by recognising the state of Palestine and supporting South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Speaking at an event to accept the credentials of ambassador of the atate of Palestine Jilan Abdaljamid and ambassador of Italy Nicola Faganello, President Higgins said Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu had breached “”so many bits of international law and the sovereignty of three of his neighbours”.

He said that at first he…