Irish people do not understand the existential threat Iran poses to world peace and stability, the Israeli Ambassador has claimed.
On Friday, the Israeli Government launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing concern about Tehran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons which could be used to target Israel.
Iran, which insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, responded by launching dozens of missile strikes upon Israel, one of which hit Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel.
On The Pat Kenny Show, Israeli Ambassador Dana Erlich said people who make comparisons between the actions of Iran and those of the IDF in Gaza do not “understand international law, the rules of war and what is going on”.
“They [the Iranians] are deliberately, indiscriminately targeting civilians, while we target their nuclear programme, their ballistic programme,” she said.
“They are targeting our people because they know that this is what will put pressure on Israel.
“Because we believe in the lives of our population.”
Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel. Picture by: AP Photo/Leo Correa.Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that she supports Israel’s “right to defend itself and protect its people”.
However, she also urged “all parties to act with maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the situation.”
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “deeply concerned” by Israel’s decision to launch strikes on Iranian targets, adding that there was a “very real risk of regional spillover”.
The Fine Gael leader said he believed there should be a “negotiated solution” to address Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.
My statement on reports of extensive military airstrikes by Israel on Iran overnight. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vSYQmfzY8o
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 13, 2025
Ms Erlich insisted that Ireland’s position is out of step with other western governments.
“If you listen very closely to the comments and statements coming out over the last five and six days, nobody’s condemning Israel,” she claimed.
“Because everybody understands the threats [posed by Iran].
“I understand that Ireland has the privilege of being remote from all of these threats.
“Unfortunately, Ireland is now out of step in understanding what is going on.”
Smoke rises up after Israel's attack, in Tehran, Iran. Picture by: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi.Ms Erlich continued that Iran poses a “triple threat” to the peace and stability of not just Israel - but the entire world.
“It’s the nuclear programme, it’s their ballistic missile ranges and capabilities - and the stockpile that they are building,” she said.
“And their vast proxy organisations that they have nurtured around all of our region.
“Most of the world understands that threat.”
Ms Erlich added that the Iranian regime is “not shy” about its belief in the destruction of Israel.
“I didn’t hear any Irish condemnation when Iran violated the UN Charter and called repeatedly for the destruction of another UN member state - Israel,” she said.
“So, it’s not that a threat that has come up just now… It has been going on for decades.
“It’s not just Israel saying that - the whole world understands that.
“The German leader has already said that Israel is doing the dirty work for the rest of the world and the region.”
Threat to Europe
Ms Erlich also warned that Iran’s ballistic missile programme could be used to target European nations at some point in the future.
“If, allegedly, they only aim to target Israel, why do they need a range that reaches Europe?” she said.
“Why do they develop that range? Why have they accelerated the stockpiles of missiles that can reach Europe?
“Europe is concerned about it [and] so should Ireland.”
Since the conflict broke out, Iranian authorities have said hundreds of their civilians have died in Israeli strikes.
While Jerusalem has said Iran missiles have killed dozens Israeli civilians.
Main image: Israel's Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy.
