Irish politicians and campaigners have accused Israel of a deliberate attempt to “smear Ireland” and trying to silence the government’s legislative agenda aimed at protecting Palestinian lives.

On Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin, claiming the decision was due to Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies” and “antisemitic rhetoric”.

Lynn Boylan, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Sinn Féin, has dismissed Israel’s accusations and believes the move is a tactic to dissuade Ireland from enacting the upcoming Occupied Territories Bill, which would criminalise trade with illegal settlements.