Ireland Moves to Restrict Trade with Israeli Settlements
The Irish government is exploring national-level trade restrictions following a UN court opinion on the legality of Israeli settlements.
- Ireland's government is revisiting the Occupied Territories Bill, which aims to ban imports from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
- The initiative follows a UN advisory opinion declaring Israel's occupation illegal, allowing Ireland to act independently of the EU on trade matters.
- Deputy Premier Micheal Martin acknowledges the legal challenges and necessary amendments, making it unlikely to pass before the upcoming election.
- The Irish coalition government is prioritizing the Finance Bill, with other pending legislation lapsing once Parliament is dissolved.
- Despite the challenges, the government remains committed to advancing the bill, consulting with its author and seeking a pathway to enact it.