Irish PM Martin Rejects Antisemitism Claims as Players Back Israel Match in Last-Minute Vote
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 27
Irish PM Martin Rejects Antisemitism Claims as Players Back Israel Match in Last-Minute Vote
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 27
Summary
Micheál Martin said Ireland’s sharp criticism of Israel has not crossed into antisemitism, insisting the government has “no toleration” for anti-Jewish hatred even as tensions swelled around Sunday’s soccer match.
A significant majority of Irish players voted on Saturday to fulfill the fixture after months of boycott pressure, though one player left the squad; officials had warned a boycott could cost at least $6.3 million and trigger UEFA sanctions.
Martin defended Ireland’s stance by condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, backing Israel’s right to exist in security and a two-state solution, while calling Israel’s Gaza campaign “absolutely disproportionate” and urging more aid for roughly 2 million people.
At the U.N. this week, Martin sharpened that message, saying the world had “failed Palestine” and accusing violent West Bank settlers of acting with near-total impunity.
He cast Ireland’s position as rooted in its own conflict-resolution experience in Northern Ireland, arguing Dublin can serve as a voice for peace while it holds the EU Council presidency.