Stormont Divided Over Givan’s Israel Trip Amid Outcry

Education Minister Paul Givan of Northern Ireland has sparked political controversy after a six-day visit to Israel with a delegation of unionist politicians. The trip, organized by the Israeli government, involved briefings by the foreign ministry, a visit to a Holocaust memorial, meetings with Hamas victims, and a tour of the Ofek School in Jerusalem.

What could have been a standard diplomatic engagement has instead caused intense debate at Stormont, protests in Belfast, and a symbolic no confidence motion in the Assembly.

Controversy Causes Political Turmoil

The dispute arose after the Department of Education shared images and details of Givan’s visit on official platforms. Critics accused him of using his ministerial office and resources to advance a politically motivated agenda.

Givan’s Defense

“I would challenge anybody to point out within the statement that was released through my department, any commentary of a political nature in relation to Israel,” Givan stated in the Assembly.

He firmly described the trip as “entirely non-political,” defending his actions against the accusations.

Summary

The minister’s Israel visit has deeply divided Northern Ireland’s political landscape, revealing the sensitive intersection of education, diplomacy, and regional politics.

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Evrim Ağacı — 2025-11-04