The Department of Foreign Affairs has heightened its travel advisory, now urging the public to avoid all travel to Israel due to security concerns.
Speaking on the , Tánaiste Simon Harris stated, “The travel advice is now very clear: no Irish citizen should travel to Israel.”
“We already had similar travel advice in place for Iran, and today we are extending it to Israel.”
Mr. Harris confirmed that Ireland maintains a diplomatic presence in Iran, with whom the Government is in “close contact.”
He noted that approximately 17 Irish citizens residing in Iran are known to Irish officials in the country.
“This is an exceptionally dangerous and unstable period, and I urge all Irish citizens to heed the Government’s advice.”
Earlier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin added his voice to the growing international concern, emphasizing the need for restraint and a renewed commitment to diplomacy.
“I am deeply concerned by the airstrikes on Iran,” Mr. Martin said.
“I call on all actors in the Middle East to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid further escalation. The region and the world desperately need stability. Diplomacy must be the only path forward.”
His remarks mirrored those of the Tánaiste, who previously cautioned that continued escalation could trigger a “regional spillover” with potentially catastrophic consequences for communities across the Middle East.
In a statement released earlier today, Mr. Harris emphasized that the Middle East “desperately needs peace and stability” and warned that further escalation could ignite a wider regional conflict.
He implored all parties to demonstrate restraint and urged those with influence to leverage it to de-escalate tensions.
“A negotiated solution is essential to address Iran’s nuclear programme,” he added.
