Israeli President Isaac Herzog is understood to have warned Taoiseach Simon Harris that any unilateral recognition of the State of Palestine by Ireland could jeopardise any hope of Hamas releasing the hostages its continuing to hold in Gaza.
Sources close to President Herzog said he contended that Ireland recognising Palestine, outside of a negotiated settlement, could be viewed as a sending a message to Hamas to attack Israel again.
Mr Harris spoke with President Herzog by telephone last Friday.
According to the Taoiseach’s spokesperson, he set out the Irish Government’s position on Gaza – including a wish to see an immediate ceasefire, urgent and “unhindered access” for humanitarian aid and expressed concern at the Israeli military operation in Rafah.
The Taoiseach also outlined Ireland’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine before the end of the month, and in conjunction with other European countries such as Spain.
Sources close to President Herzog told RTÉ News that the Taoiseach was told that the average Israeli on the street would view such recognition as jeopardising any hope of a hostage breakthrough because it would remove any imperative on Hamas to act.
President Herzog contended that it would significantly reduce the pressure on the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, to release the more than 100 hostages it is still holding since 7 October.
