Irish Ambassador Subjected ‘Unacceptable’ Treatment from Israel, Says Martin

Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Micheál Martin has condemned Israel’s reprimand of Ireland’s ambassador, calling it “totally unacceptable.”

Mr Martin made these remarks after Ambassador Sonya McGuinness was summoned to the Israeli foreign affairs ministry and reprimanded over Ireland’s decision to recognize the state of Palestine. During the meeting, she was shown a previously unaired video of Hamas taking female army conscripts captive on October 7 last year, with members of the media present.

Mr. Martin criticized the media’s involvement, stating, “The thought of bringing the media to scrutinize ambassadors who watched the video was inappropriate.” He plans to discuss the matter with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz.

“I find that unacceptable and no way to treat diplomats, and is outside the norm by which diplomats are treated in any country,” Mr Martin added.

On Wednesday, Ireland announced its recognition of the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain, which will formally take effect on Tuesday. In response, Israel warned of “severe consequences,” with Israel Katz claiming Ireland and Taoiseach Simon Harris had “rewarded terrorism.”

Sonya McGuinness (R) pictured alongside the ambassadors from Spain and Norway during the meeting with Israeli officials yesterday

Mr Katz said the Irish, Norwegian, and Spanish ambassadors would be shown the footage as part of a “severe demarche.” Mr. Martin emphasized the importance of diplomatic channels and praised Ambassador McGuinness, stating, “Sonya McGuinness is an outstanding ambassador, and we have consistently condemned the Hamas attack on October 7.”

Irish officials had anticipated Ms McGuinness would be summoned, but including Israeli national media was unexpected. Mr Martin noted, “Most people would accept internationally that that’s not within the parameters of acceptable norms regarding how people engage with diplomats.”

He intends to communicate directly with the Israeli foreign minister, stating that Ireland’s recognition of Palestine was balanced and rejected any mono-ethnic approach to the conflict.

Since Wednesday, Israeli officials have repeatedly criticized Ireland’s decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, with Mr Katz accusing the Irish Government of awarding a “gold medal” to Hamas. Simon Harris rejected this characterization and accused Israel of misrepresenting Ireland’s views.

Mr Harris said, “Any foreign ministry can call in any ambassador, but I will not tolerate any country misrepresenting the position of the Irish people. I am the leader of the Irish Government. I speak on behalf of Ireland, and we have been unequivocal that we condemn Hamas, that we condemn the most horrific, barbaric massacre that Israel experienced on October 7.”

He added, “We call for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages. But it is entirely possible to say what I have just said and also say the next bit – which sadly some refuse to say – that what is happening in Palestine, what is happening in Gaza, is a humanitarian catastrophe.”