Welcome, Mr. Speaker: Rivlin Enters Irish Parliament Through Back Entrance

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked the main entrance to Irish parliament Thursday, forcing Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin to enter though a back entrance.

Rivlin, the highest-ranking Israeli official to visit Ireland since 1985, told Army Radio that he wanted to speak with the demonstrators blocking the entrance but security officers prevented him.

Rivlin's visit comes at a period of tense relations between Ireland and Israel, with Ireland directing heavy criticism at Israel for its blockade of Hamas-governed Gaza, and leading boycotts of Israel.