Ireland bans imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine
By Al Mayadeen English
Today 12:15
3 Min Read
Ireland’s parliament approved a bill banning imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, citing international law and the occupation.
Ireland’s parliament has approved legislation prohibiting imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine, marking one of the strongest trade-related measures adopted by a European country against settlement activity linked to the occupation.
The Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) bill targets products originating from residential, agricultural, and commercial projects established in the occupied Palestinian territories beyond the internationally recognized borders of "Israel".
The move comes as Ireland continues to push for stronger European action over "Israel’s" policies in Palestine, while governments across the European Union remain divided over possible economic measures.
In June, Norway also approved the motion to ban its citizens and companies from trading goods produced in Israeli settlements, with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide saying, "Norwegian citizens and Norwegian companies must not profit from or support activities that help sustain Israel’s unlawful settlement activity in Palestine".
Dublin moves against settlement economy
The Irish government said the legislation was drafted in accordance with the 2024 advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which determined that "Israel’s" occupation of the West Bank, occupied East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip violates international law.
Ireland has argued that restricting settlement-linked imports is intended to prevent economic activity in the occupied Palestinian territories from benefiting European markets.
Although Ireland is the first EU member state to introduce such a ban, Spain previously adopted restrictions affecting settlement-related trade in October. Dublin has also repeatedly called for a review of the EU-"Israel" Association Agreement, a trade and cooperation framework signed in 1995.
Palestine recognition deepens rift with "Israel"
The legislation follows a series of diplomatic steps by Ireland that have drawn condemnation from "Israel".
Ireland recognized the State of Palestine in 2024, alongside other European countries, after intensifying criticism of "Israel’s" brutal war on Gaza.
Following the recognition, "Israel’s" Foreign Minister Gideon Saar ordered the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin, accusing Ireland of pursuing "extreme anti-Israel policies."
Last month, Ireland also barred Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing their abusive actions toward pro-Palestinian activists.
EU divisions remain over settlement restrictions
While the European Union said last month it would examine possible restrictions on trade connected to Israeli settlements, member states have yet to reach a consensus on broader measures.
The economic impact of Ireland’s legislation is expected to remain limited, with imports linked to settlements, including fruit, vegetables, and timber, valued at less than one million euros between 2020 and 2024.
However, the measure carries wider political significance as European governments debate how to respond to settlement expansion and the legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/ireland-bans-imports-from-israeli-settlements-in-occupied-pa
