Ireland pushes for ban on imports from Israeli settlements
Ireland leads EU with legislation targeting settlement goods amid calls for unity
DUBLIN (MNTV) – Ireland’s Deputy Premier Simon Harris has announced the government’s commitment to introducing services provisions in a bill banning imports from Israeli settlements, provided it withstands legal scrutiny.
The Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025, approved by the Cabinet, marks Ireland as the first European Union country to propose such legislation. Harris emphasized the need for collective EU action, stating, “It’s a hell of a lot better if Europe moves together.”
However, he added, “In the absence of Europe moving, we’re going ahead with our own domestic legislation.”
Harris urged opposition leaders to collaborate by lobbying their counterparts across Europe to consider similar measures.
“Ireland is pretty lonely out there,” he remarked, pressing for unified European action against goods originating from occupied Palestinian territories.
The bill will soon undergo scrutiny by an Oireachtas committee. Oireachtas is the bicameral parliament of Ireland.
Harris assured that all government representatives would back the legislation, highlighting its inclusion in the Programme for Government.
He stressed the importance of passing robust, legally compliant laws: “We want to pass a law that is impactful and complies with the laws of our land.”
Acknowledging public sentiment over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Harris described widespread Irish outrage at what he termed genocide, particularly against children.
He called for a united effort, dismissing partisan politics in addressing this issue.
Earlier this week, Ireland and other nations urged the European Commission to align trade regulations with international law regarding goods produced in illegal Jewish settlements.
Harris criticized the EU’s failure to act on the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, reiterating Ireland’s commitment to pressuring the bloc.
“Ireland stands alone in the EU with this step,” Harris said, “but we hope this inspires others to act.”
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