The Dáil has voted to not expel Israeli Ambassador Dana Erlich from Ireland following a heated debate and protests.

The motion to expel the ambassador, proposed by the Social Democrats, was defeated after the Government parties put forward a countermotion to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. 

The motion said the Government will “pursue all possible avenues at the EU and the UN to build an international alliance for peace” and call for an “immediate ceasefire” in Israel and Palestine. 

The counter motion passed by 85 votes to 55. 

Another motion to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court over its actions in Gaza was also defeated by Government by 77 votes to 58. 

The Government has just voted down the @SocDems motion calling for sanctions on Israel.

The slaughter of innocent civilians in Gaza will not end without international pressure.

Despite the overwhelming support of the Irish people, this Government has chosen not to act. pic.twitter.com/IKj4ktvtyR

— Holly Cairns TD (@HollyCairnsTD) November 15, 2023

Sinn Féin's motion was supported by the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and the Labour Party. 

Speaking in the Dáil earlier today, Social Democrats Leader Holly Cairns asked Taoiseach Leo Varadkar if he was “satisfied that Israel will face no economic or diplomatic consequences for its massacre in Gaza”. 

Mr Varadkar said Ireland risked losing “influence” in international affairs if they “go too far” with sanctions on Israel. 

“You get put in the category where you don’t get listened to anymore,” he said. 

“You have to make sure you use your influence in a way that’s effective, not in a way that just makes you look good on telly or makes you look good in front of protesters. 

“That’s not how you conduct grownup politics or international affairs.” 

Protesting the Israeli Ambassador

Outside Leinster House, thousands attended a protest demanding the Government expel the Israeli Ambassador, including members of opposition parties. 

One protestor said expelling the ambassador would “send a message to the world”. 

"We would like to see Israel isolated and sanctioned in the same way South Africa was isolated and sanctioned,” he said. 

“That would do more to stop this war – this series of wars – than anything else.” 

Following the motion’s defeat, Ms Cairns said online that “the slaughter of innocent civilians in Gaza will not end without international pressure”. 

“Despite the overwhelming support of the Irish people, this Government has chosen not to act,” she said online.