Irish officials were concerned that opening Israel’s embassy in Ireland would promote a “backlash” from Arab countries, according to government documents. 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 was calculated in 1992 that security for an Israeli embassy in Dublin could amount to £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.

Source: Irish Examiner December 28, 2025 16:10 UTC