Simon Harris said the decision was not taken lightly.

The absence of an Israeli embassy in Dublin was a source of concern for Ireland’s small Jewish population at the time.

Ireland has not evicted the Israeli ambassador, despite claims on social media.

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar was highly critical of the Irish Government after ordering the closure of the embassy in Dublin.

Simon Harris was speaking after Israel announced it would be closing its Dublin embassy, accusing Ireland of ‘crossing every red line’

Simon Harris said the safety of staff at the Irish embassy is of “paramount” importance but stressed the benefits of ongoing diplomatic relations with Iran.