Israel says it’s closing its embassy in Ireland over Dublin’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and its backing of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the World Court. On Monday, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris responded to the news.

Prime Minister Simon Harris: “You’re all here today asking me about Ireland’s position. What about Israel’s actions? What about what Netanyahu is doing to the innocent children of Gaza? This is — this is the diplomacy of distraction. And I think it is deeply regrettable that they took that decision. They have every right to take that decision to close the embassy. I’d rather it didn’t happen. We will continue to engage, continue to engage diplomatically. But nobody is going to silence Ireland.”