Gideon Sa'ar Slams Ireland Over History and Team Match

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar sharply criticized Ireland on Sunday, drawing parallels between contemporary Irish hostility toward Israel and historical incidents from and before World War II.

Writing on the social media platform X, Sa'ar recalled a May 1939 football match in Bremen between Ireland and Germany, during which Irish players gave Nazi salutes during the German anthem. He also highlighted Ireland's wartime neutrality and former Prime Minister Éamon de Valera's decision to offer condolences to the German representative in Dublin following Adolf Hitler's death.

"And today - another football match. This time against the Israeli national team. Once again, the famous Irish conscience emerges and steps onto the pitch," Sa'ar wrote. He added that nearly 90 years have passed, yet "the unique Irish talent for being on the wrong side of history remains intact."

Sa'ar also addressed reports that Irish players would wear black armbands during the match. "Back then they gave Nazi salutes. This time they are clearly on the side of Palestinian terror. Above the black armbands the Irish players will wear tonight flutters the black flag of jihadism," he stated, concluding with well wishes for the Israeli national team.