Israeli ambassador to Ireland accuses President of spreading misinformation about Gaza attacks

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. Picture: PA

The Israeli ambassador to Ireland has slammed Michael D Higgins for spreading misinformation in relation to the two-week war between Israel and Hamas that broke out in Gaza on October 7.

Dana Elrich said she believes that the effect of the President's comments was "inflammatory" and that Israel was not breaking international law in Gaza. 

Her views come as Israeli warplanes strike targets across Gaza overnight on Saturday and into Sunday, as well as two airports in Syria and a mosque in the occupied West Bank that is allegedly being used by militants. 

Ms Elrich assumed the role of ambassador to Ireland in September this year and was formerly the Director of Coordination at the Director General's Bureau at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

"We know the President's position and we know he holds this topic very closely," the ambassador told the Sunday Independent. 

Thousands of people, both Israeli and Palestinians have died since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian Hamas militants based in the Gaza Strip, entered southern Israel in a surprise attack. Picture: MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)

"For me, it is frustrating when public figures and elected officials repeat misinformation. And this is misinformation. Because announcing beforehand — that is not breaking, that is in accordance with international law.

"We want to make sure that there are as few civilian casualties as possible. And I think we all have a responsibility, especially at this time.”

When asked if she felt that President Higgins had spread misinformation, she agreed but said she could not criticise.

"I know the role of the President here and I know the importance in which he is held within the Irish public — but there is also a responsibility on politicians and the media, especially during a time like this.” 

Ms Elrich agreed that President Higgins sympathised with the Palestinian cause and said she did not object to it. 

But, she felt that in Ireland, the conversation has been "hijacked" and that "if you are 'pro-Palestinian', you have to be 'anti-Israeli'." 

Ms Elrich believed the effects of the President's comments were "inflammatory" and had "unfortunately" spread misinformation. 

“Because the way he says it, it perpetuates as if Israel is committing crimes or defying international law — and it becomes a statement [of fact]. It becomes ‘the truth’,” Ms Erlich said, adding that she would show Mr Higgins “the facts”.

“We know that he does it because he cares, and he wants to make sure nobody gets hurt, but because of that and because of that role, we would ask him to understand the facts better," she said. 

“We have no problem with him being pro-Palestinian. A lot of the people who were murdered, in those kibbutzim in the south [of Israel], are peace activists who fought in order to achieve peace.”

The ambassador also added that Israel was not breaking international law in Gaza.

“Announcing in advance that Israel is going to target a certain building or area is within international law. Asking people to evacuate, that is within international law,” she said.

Ms Elrich also expressed disappointment in her interview about how Ireland did not immediately follow the lead of other European countries, such as Germany, in showing solidarity with Israel. However, she appreciated the immediate condemnation Irish leaders had published following the Hamas attack in Israel.