Concerns were raised over ‘backlash’ to opening Israeli embassy in Dublin

Cillian Sherlock, PA

Officials were concerned that opening Israel’s embassy in Ireland would promote a “backlash” from Arab countries, according to government documents.

The Israeli embassy in Dublin announced last year that it would close, with the country’s foreign minister accusing Ireland of crossing “every red line in its relations with Israel”.

Documents made public as part of the annual release from the National Archives in Dublin show the preparations that took place before the embassy was opened in 1996.

Among the considerations were the possible impact on trade from Arab countries and the cost of security.

One 1990 memo states: “Irish trade with Arab countries is at a ratio of approximately 10 to 1 in our favour and is mainly sourced from indigenous industry. It is 20 or more times greater than our trade with Israel and likely to remain so in present circumstances.”

Meanwhile, officials also factored in the “security implications” of expenditure and garda resources as a “major consideration in the Government’s decision-making process”.

It was calculated in 1992 that security for an Israeli embassy in Dublin could amount to €802,000 (£700,000) per year and would also result in an “immediate demand” that Arab states be allowed to open embassies in Dublin.

Similar concerns were raised around an unrealised proposal for the President of Ireland to undertake a State visit to Israel.

One Government file states: “It might be argued that the chances of our incurring the Arab world’s displeasure by having a State Visit to Israel are slimmer than in the past but is it worth taking the risk?

“A State Visit is usually seen as a mark of a high degree of friendship between two countries and it would not go unnoticed in the Arab world.”

In 1993, Zvi Levy was told his work as Ireland’s honorary consul in Israel had been “commendable” and “considerable”.

However, after a Department of Foreign Affairs official was told Mr Levy had met with an Irish businessman in Gaza, he was reminded of the “territorial limits of your jurisdiction”.

The letter states: “I understand that in the course of your recent discussions with officials in this Department you had mentioned that you were engaged in promoting Irish business interests in the Gaza Strip.”

It adds: “Your active involvement, particularly since the time of your appointment as Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Israel, is encouraging and promoting economic and trade links with Ireland has been commendable.”

The department was concerned his activities in Gaza may give the impression he had an “official role” in the region.

The letter said: “We are very conscious of the contribution you are making in that regard and are grateful for your considerable efforts. I am however obliged to draw your attention to the territorial limits of your jurisdiction as set out in your Letter of Commission.”

Mr Levy was told: “You will be aware that your area of activity is confined to the territory within Israel’s internationally recognised frontiers and accordingly does not extend to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967.”

The letter added: “On that basis, I would hope that any requests you receive for consular, commercial or other assistance that could involve you in the Gaza strip, or any other occupied territories, will be dealt with by directing the enquirer to the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo in the first instance.”

– This article is based on documents in the file labelled 2025/124/345 at the National Archives of Ireland.