Sinn Féin’s call for expulsion of Israeli ambassador 'irresponsible and reckless', TD says

James Cox

Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy has claimed Sinn Féin's call for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador was "irresponsible and reckless".

Continued diplomatic relations are of "paramount importance right now as the Israeli-Hamas conflict continues to escalate," Mr Brophy said.

The former minister for overseas development aid and Diaspora was speaking after news emerged that Emily Hand, an Irish-Israeli child who was feared to have been killed in the conflict, is now believed to be alive.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family of Emily Hand, and this underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with all countries during times of conflict and war,” Mr Brophy said.

“Sinn Féin has repeatedly called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, demonstrating a staggering lack of understanding of the importance of the diplomatic process. Were this to happen, Ireland would be left with no pathway to negotiate on behalf of any of our citizens living or working in Israel and potentially in danger. This would be irresponsible and reckless."

He added: “Sinn Féin’s entire response to this conflict has been one-dimensional and ill-informed. Simply calling for a ceasefire is not an adequate political response. Most right-thinking citizens of any country condemns and is horrified by what we’ve witnessed in Palestine in recent weeks and in Israel on October 7th, and we all wish for a ceasefire to be called. But in the absence of that, there are other political channels that can and must be navigated if we are to play our part in bringing about a peaceful resolution.

“Maintaining and developing a diplomatic relationship with all actors is a vital part of our role as politicians – Sinn Féin have failed to have an even basic understanding of that, which should raise very worrying questions about what vista could lie ahead if they were to ever be in government.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the position of the Israeli ambassador is "now untenable", adding that there needed to be consequences for Israel “ignoring” calls for a ceasefire.

Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich previously criticised President Michael D Higgins over his comments on the Israel-Hamas war.

Ms Erlich had told the Sunday Independent that she was frustrated by President Higgins' comments suggesting Israel had breached international law.

He said that Israel stating its intention to breach international law reduced protection for civilians under the Geneva Conventions “to tatters”.

Ms Erlich claimed this was misinformation, and said announcing Israel’s intentions in advance was “in accordance” with international law.