Introduction
Following the October 7 attacks and the Gaza war, the relations between Ireland and Israel deteriorated and at the end of 2024 Israel closed its embassy in Dublin. In 2024, Ireland still had a nearly €300,000-a-year maintenance contract with the Israeli company Aeronautics for Orbiter UAVs.
Israel – Ireland Relations
Before 2023, Israeli exports to Ireland include aircraft, machinery and electronics, rubber and plastics, chemicals, textiles, optical/medical equipment, gems, and fruit and vegetables.[1]Export GOV Israel : Country Snapshot Ireland Israel’s exports to Ireland were worth $114m in 2018.[2]OEC World Report Bilateral Countries Israel-Ireland
Certain economic agreements support Israel’s trade relationship with Ireland – primarily the Free Trade Agreement between Israel and the EU (European Union) (and USA) and a bilateral agreement on Double taxation was concluded in 1995 between the two states, which further facilitated the economic affairs between the countries. Another agreement that exists between the countries and which reflects another element of their hi-tech focus is the 1999 Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation.[3]TAMAS : Israel – Ireland Trade Relations
In 2012 the Ireland-Israel business Network (IIBN) was established. The IIBN is an organization that tries to develop bi-lateral investment between Israel and Ireland, while working to stimulate and strengthen business links between the two countries.[4]Ireland Israel Business : About
In December 2019 Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, met with Israeli PM Netanyahu in the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. It was his fourth visit to Israel since becoming foreign minister in 2017.[5]Visiting Israel, Irish FM says he’s open for ‘new thinking’ on peace process[6]Cooperation Between Israel & Ireland in The Cyber Security Industry
Following the October 7 attacks and the Gaza war, the relations between Ireland and Israel deteriorated and at the end of 2024 Israel closed its embassy in Dublin.[7]BBC, Israel to close embassy in Ireland as it criticises ‘anti-Israel policies’, 15.12.2024
Military Relations
Ireland has bought €14.7m worth of arms and military components from Israel between 2006-2016 while Irish-based companies have exported €6.42m worth of military and ‘dual use’ hardware to Israel between 2011-2016.[8]Irish Examiner : We must call upon our government to end arms trade with Israel In 2024 the Irish Times reported that the Irish Department of Defense has paid at least €8.5 million to Israeli arms manufacturers for military drones and other equipment in the prior decade.[9]The Irish Times, Ireland spends €8.5m on Israeli surveillance drones and military equipment, 22.02.2024
In August 2014 controversy erupted when it became public that Ireland had approved export licenses for military goods worth up to €6.4m to be shipped to Israel over three years. Irish opposition parties complained that the types of materials sold to Israel are being kept secret from the Irish public. Whilst the Irish government refused to give exact details on the type of equipment, updated figures showed military licenses totaling €126,637 had been approved in advance of the 2014 Gaza conflict.[10]State approved €6.4m in Israel arms exports
In 2019 together with Industry Group Cyber Ireland the Ireland-Israel Business Network (IIBN) organized a forum to promote Irish-Israeli cooperation in developing national cybersecurity strategies.[11]Cooperation Between Israel & Ireland in The Cyber Security Industry
The Irish Government acquired a number of licenses to use Cellebrite’s forensic technology on behalf of the Gardai (Ireland’s National Police Service), who use its physical analyzer software since at least 2015 to extract and analyze data from phones and other mobile devices. In 2024 Cellebrite was paid almost €500,000 for this usage.[12]The Irish Times, Opposition calls for gardaí to stop buying Israeli-made decryption technology, 04.03.2025[13]Firm that hacked Isis phone for FBI was used by gardai in Graham Dwyer case
In 2024 the Irish Times reported Ireland has a nearly €300,000-a-year maintenance contract with Aeronautics for Orbiter drones. In early 2024 the Irish Department of Defense payed Aeronautics €590,000.[14]The Irish Times, From drones to guns that shoot around corners, Ireland has a long history of buying Israeli military goods, 30.08.2024
Usage of Israeli Arms
Orbiter 1/2B by Aeronautics– used for surveillance, artillery spotting and support for special forces. Used by the Irish Army in Chad and by the Army Ranger Wing.[15]Independent : Defence Forces to use Israeli robot spy planes[16]The Irish Times, From drones to guns that shoot around corners, Ireland has a long history of buying Israeli military goods, 30.08.2024
RG-32M Outrider Light Tactical Vehicle – Used by Irish Army.
Rabintex Enhanced Combat Helmet – Used by Irish Army.[17]Ireland : RABINTEX CAD 4-5/
UFED by Cellebrite– was Used by Ireland’s National Police Service. Was used in 2016 in the Graham Dwyer trial in Dublin, Ireland.[18]Firm that hacked Isis phone for FBI was used by gardai in Graham Dwyer case[19]The Irish Times, Opposition calls for gardaí to stop buying Israeli-made decryption technology, 04.03.2025