Taoiseach Simon Harris on Monday warned Irish citizens against travelling to Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon in view of “growing instability” in the region.
“Our travel advice for Israel has changed due to growing instability in the region. The government is now advising Irish citizens do not travel to Israel. The same advice applies to Lebanon and Palestine,” Taoiseach Harris wrote on X.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, on its website, said: “Please be advised that as of January 2025 those entering Israel from visa-exempt countries (including Ireland) must be in possession of a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation to Israel (ETA-IL).”
“Irish citizens currently in Israel or Palestine who have not already done so, are asked to register on the Department’s Citizens Registration platform here,” it added.
The foreign affairs department also pointed out that Israeli law permits immigration officials to deny entry to foreign nationals who have publicly called for a boycott of Israel and/or settlements, or who belong to an organisation which has called for such a boycott.
Fears of a wider regional conflict have escalated following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week. His death was one in a series of killings of senior Hamas figures as the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel nears its 11th month. While Tehran and Iran-aligned groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah have accused Israel of killing Haniyeh, officials in Israel have not claimed responsibility.