Ireland Bans Trade with Israeli Settlements

Ireland has become the first European country to introduce legislation banning trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The move, announced by Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Simon Harris on Wednesday, marks a significant political and legal stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The proposed legislation, titled the General Scheme of the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2024, aims to prohibit the import of goods originating from Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.

The Irish government has approved the bill in principle, and it will now be referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for detailed examination before being formally legislated.

The decision follows the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion issued on 19 July 2024, which further reinforced the legal basis for such trade bans.

Once enacted, the importation of goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank or East Jerusalem would constitute a criminal offence under Ireland’s Customs Act 2015. Irish customs authorities would also have the power to inspect and seize prohibited goods.

Harris explained that the legislation will utilize the postal code system currently used by the European Union to differentiate between goods produced within Israel’s internationally recognized borders and those originating from settlements.

He added that Ireland’s stance is rooted in a firm commitment to international law and human rights, stating that Israeli settlements are illegal and undermine the viability of a two-state solution. Harris reaffirmed Ireland’s broader goal of supporting sustainable peace in the region through legal and diplomatic means.

Despite the lack of an EU-wide response following the ICJ’s 2024 opinion, Harris said Ireland would continue pressing the European Commission to present concrete proposals to address imports from illegal settlements. He expressed hope that Ireland’s action would set a precedent for other nations.

He acknowledged that the proposed legislation has generated considerable public interest at home and said he looks forward to parliamentary debate and engagement with civil society.

Harris concluded by stating that Ireland unequivocally rejects what he called the ongoing genocide in Gaza, reiterating Dublin’s commitment to upholding justice and international law through all available channels.