Ireland moves to ban trade with “Israeli”-occupied territories

Ireland’s government approved a bill to ban the import of goods produced in “Israeli” settlements, which are widely regarded as illegal under international law—a move that would make it the first European Union member state to take such action.

A spokesperson for the Irish Foreign Ministry told AFP that the government had agreed to advance legislation prohibiting trade with “illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories,” emphasizing that the decision reflects “a commitment under international law.”

The proposed ban, which now heads to the Irish parliament for debate and a vote later this year, is seen as largely symbolic due to its limited economic impact.

According to government data, trade between Ireland and “Israeli”-occupied territories totaled less than EUR 1 million between 2020 and 2024.

The measure would apply to goods such as fruits, vegetables, and timber, but would exclude services like tourism and IT.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris told reporters Tuesday: “What I hope today is when this small country in Europe makes the decision and becomes one of the first countries, and probably the first country, in the Western world to consider legislation in this space, I do hope it inspires other European countries to join us.”

A parliamentary committee is expected to review the bill in June, with a final vote scheduled for the fall.

Ireland’s move is backed by a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which reaffirmed the illegality of “Israeli” settlements under international law.

Approximately 500,000 “Israelis” live in settlements across the occupied West Bank, where they reside among around 3 million Palestinians.

The United Nations has consistently deemed these settlements illegal since “Israel” captured the territory in 1967.

In May 2024, Ireland, along with Spain and Norway, officially recognized the State of Palestine. Slovenia followed suit in June, prompting retaliatory diplomatic steps from “Israel”.

Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris is also considering recognition of Palestinian statehood as early as June.

Ireland’s decision comes just a week after the European Union announced a review of its 1995 Association Agreement with “Israel”, which forms the basis of their political and trade relations.