In a concerning development for diplomatic security, the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, received a sinister package last week that has led to an extensive police investigation. Gardaí were alerted to the presence of a suspicious package that arrived by post at the Israeli embassy in Dublin on March 14th. The package contained white powder, later identified as sugar, and a death threat in the form of a chilling collage.
The contents of the package were distressing: a series of photographs showcasing the bodies of Israelis killed by Hamas in the October 7th terrorist attacks. Accompanying these images was the Hamas logo and a threatening note that pointed directly at a photograph of Ambassador Erlich, reading “You are next.” This disturbing incident prompted an immediate response, with the embassy being evacuated and the army’s Emergency Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team deploying in hazmat suits to analyze the substance.
The Gardaí have seized the document for forensic analysis, and the Special Detective Unit of the Gardai, which is responsible for the embassy’s external security, opened an investigation. Ambassador Erlich has confirmed that Israeli security services are also looking into the matter. “A cordon was put in place around the area, and the services of the Army EOD team were requested. The package was subsequently deemed safe and a hoax,” the Gardai said.
There has been a spate of attacks on Israeli embassies across Europe. In January, an explosive device was left outside the Israeli embassy in Sweden, which the police destroyed. Just recently, a man was arrested by Dutch police after a burning object was thrown at the embassy in The Hague.
The embassy, situated on the top floor of an office building in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, receives round-the-clock protection from both armed and unarmed Gardaí. In light of the increased threats, the Gardaí have announced a review of the embassy’s security situation.
The ambassador’s reaction was one of defiance in the face of intimidation, with a statement from the embassy asserting that they “will not be silenced or intimidated.” Meanwhile, Ms. Erlich has praised the Irish security services for their attentiveness and understanding of the embassy’s “special situation,” while calling for greater awareness among Irish politicians, media, and the public about the surge in anti-Semitic incidents.
Relevant articles:
– Death threat and ‘white powder’ sent to Israeli ambassador in Dublin
– Israeli ambassador to Ireland receives ‘white powder,’ death threats in mail – report, The Jerusalem Post, Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:30:38 GMT
– Israeli Envoy To Ireland Receives Death Threats, ‘white Powder’ In Mail, i24NEWS, Sat, 23 Mar 2024 09:34:31 GMT
– Major security alert at Israeli embassy in Dublin after death threat and ‘white powder’ arrive by post, The Irish Times, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 06:01:14 GMT