The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a stark warning to the Irish Prime Minister, Simon Harris, on Thursday, cautioning him about the risk of being "on the wrong side of history."
Taoiseach Simon Harris gestures after receiving a majority parliamentary vote to become the next Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, in Dublin, April 9, 2024. Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne
The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a stark warning to the Irish Prime Minister, Simon Harris, on Thursday, cautioning him about the risk of being "on the wrong side of history."
The warning particularly focused on Harris's failure to mention the hostages held captive in Gaza in his recent inauguration speech before the Parliament.
In a statement, the ministry criticized Harris for his omission, noting that he "forgot to mention" the hostages, highlighting a significant concern in the context of his speech.
Additionally, the Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the new Prime Minister and his Foreign Minister, Micheal Martin, of "planning to award further prizes to terrorism." This accusation stems from their expressed willingness to recognize a Palestinian state, a move Israel views with significant apprehension.
The ministry's statement underscored its belief that "some in Ireland continue to be on the wrong side of history," referencing the country's stance towards the conflict in Gaza. Ireland, known as one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in Europe, has maintained its position on the Gaza war, which erupted on October 7th following an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Israeli soil.
Simon Harris, the former Minister for Higher Education from a centrist-right party, reaffirmed Ireland's stance in his speech on Tuesday.
His comments have now drawn criticism from Israel, which is concerned about Ireland's approach to the conflict and the potential recognition of a Palestinian state.
The Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, which is named after a Shi'ite Muslim scholar whose shrine sits at its summit, has become one of the most contested pieces of ground in the Israel-Hezbollah war.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the release of five Lebanese nationals held by Israel, after being abducted from southern Lebanon during the successive wars since 2023.
Iran has warned the United States that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli offensive on a mountainous ridge in southern Lebanon where Iranian military personnel are holed up alongside Hezbollah fighters, three officials briefed on the message told Reuters.
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