Reprimand ‘unacceptable’ – Tánaiste

Israel’s reprimand of Ireland’s ambassador was “totally unacceptable”, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin made the remarks after ambassador Sonya McGuinness was summoned to the Israeli foreign ministry and reprimanded over Ireland’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine.

As proceedings started, Ms McGuinness was shown footage of Hamas taking female soldiers hostage on October 7.

Israeli media were also allowed in to film the “demarche”.

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

On Wednesday, Ireland announced its recognition of the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain.

The decision is to formally take effect in the three countries on Tuesday.

In response, Israel warned there would be “severe consequences”.

The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, claimed Ireland and Taoiseach Simon Harris had “rewarded terrorism”.

He said the Irish, Norwegian and Spanish ambassadors would be shown the footage as part of a “severe demarche”.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Martin said: “Diplomatic channels are very important in terms of maintaining contact with people explaining governments’ respective positions. Sonya McGuinness is an outstanding ambassador and we have consistently condemned the Hamas attack on October 7.”

Israeli media outlets were also filming the meeting, Mr Martin said.

He added that Irish officials had anticipated that Ms McGuinness would be called to the foreign ministry but said showing her the footage in front of Israeli national media was something they had not “witnessed before in other countries or jurisdictions”.

He added: “Most people would accept internationally that that’s not within the parameters of acceptable norms in terms of how people engage with diplomats. I will communicate directly to, in writing if necessary, to the Israeli foreign minister because our speeches on recognition of Palestine were balanced.

“In terms of my own contribution, it was very clear in terms of our rejection of any mono-ethnic approach to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

Since Wednesday, Israeli officials have repeatedly criticised Ireland’s decision. Mr Katz accused the Irish Government of awarding a “gold medal” to Hamas.

Mr Harris rejected the characterisation of the move and accused Israel of misrepresenting the views of Ireland.