Irish Ambassador to Israel Sonya McGuinness was summoned to the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jerusalem and reprimanded over Ireland's decision to recognise the state of Palestine.
The ambassadors of Spain and Norway attended the same meeting for the same reason.
Before any discussions, they were shown a previously unaired video of Hamas taking female army conscripts captive on 7 October last year.
It is understood the Irish Government was disappointed at this, on the basis that it fell below the established procedures and practices regarding diplomatic engagement.
What is believed to have been a "forthright exchange of views" then took place at the meeting between both sides. Despite speculation in the media, Israeli officials did not announce that any restrictions would be placed on the Irish, Spanish and Norwegian diplomatic missions.
After the diplomatic demarche, an Israeli government spokesperson asserted that: "A recognition of a Palestinian state does not promote peace. It perpetuates war."
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will not tolerate any country misrepresenting the views of Irish people, adding that the Irish Ambassador to Israel is doing an "excellent" job representing the views of Ireland.
Ireland yesterday announced its recognition of the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain, with the decision to formally take effect next Tuesday.
Israel warned in response that there will be "severe consequences".
Discussing the reprimand, Mr Harris said Ambassador McGuinness was doing an "excellent" job representing the views of Ireland.
He said: "Any foreign ministry can call in any ambassador but what I will not tolerate is any country misrepresenting the position of the Irish people.
"I am the leader of the Irish Government, I speak on behalf of Ireland and we have been clear and unequivocal that we condemn Hamas, that we condemn the most horrific, barbaric massacre that Israel experienced on the seventh of October.
"We call for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.
"But it is entirely possible to say what I have just said and also say the next bit - which sadly some refuse to say - that what is happening in Palestine, what is happening in Gaza, is a humanitarian catastrophe.
"That children are being starved, are being deprived of food and that there are children who will go to sleep in Gaza tonight not sure if they will wake in the morning.
"This situation is not sustainable. It needs to stop.
Meanwhile, preparations are continuing in Dublin for the formal announcement of the recognition of the state of Palestine next Tuesday.
It is understood the Cabinet will consider a memorandum at its morning meeting; a Dáil debate could take place that afternoon; and the Palestinian flag will fly beside the Ukrainian standard on the Merrion Square side of Leinster House.
'Hamas thanks you for your service', says Israel
Earlier, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz took to social media to criticise Ireland's decision to recognise the state of Palestine, writing to the Taoiseach that "Hamas thanks you for your service".
In a post on X, Mr Katz said: "Ireland, if your goal was to reward terrorism by declaring support for a Palestinian state, you've achieved it.
Ireland, if your goal was to reward terrorism by declaring support for a Palestinian state, you've achieved it.@SimonHarrisTD, Hamas thanks you for your service. pic.twitter.com/mgz7ZGtnCi
— ישראל כ"ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 23, 2024
"Simon Harris TD, Hamas thanks you for your service."
The post includes a 19-second video which opens with a picture of the Irish tricolour and is sound-tracked by Irish traditional music.
The footage - captioned "Hamas: Thanks Ireland" - shows footage of the Palestinian militant groups 7 October attack on Israel interspersed with Irish dancing.
