Bill to ban goods from Israeli settlements goes to Cabinet, but services remain exempt

A bill banning the importation of goods from Israeli settlements will be considered by the Cabinet after approval by Coalition leaders. The measure fulfills election commitments and will target only physical goods, leaving services trade unaffected. The expected impact is limited, with about €125,000 per year in goods likely to be affected. Opposition in the Dáil is expected, including claims the ban does not go far enough. The Taoiseach is expected to point to growing prospects for joint EU action, including placing a possible suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement on the agenda for an EU summit. The settlements in the West Bank are described as illegal under international law, and recent events involving the Sumud flotilla and detainee treatment are cited as contributing to a changing EU mood.

"But the long-delayed legislation will only ban physical goods and not the far more lucrative trade in services. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris will hail the move as the fulfilment of election manifesto commitments from 2024, also repeated in the Programme for Government. The decision not to attempt to target services, mainly delivered online, means just €125,000 a year in goods are likely to be affected."

"Despite expected opposition objections in the Dáil on Tuesday, including claims the measure does not go far enough, the Taoiseach is likely to highlight growing prospects of joint EU action against Israel. This comes after EU Council president Antonio Costa agreed to an Irish request to place the possible suspension of the EU‑Israel Association Agreement on the agenda for this week's summit of the 27 leaders."

"The Israeli settlements on the West Bank, the territory of the Palestinian Authority, is illegal under international law. The Taoiseach spoke last week in Paris of sensing a "changing mood" in EU capitals in relation to Israeli aggression and in particular as a result of the violent interception of the Sumud flotilla and subsequent humiliation of detainees, who alleged mistreatment and, in some cases, sexual assault."

"Dr Margaret Connolly, the sister of President Catherine Connolly, who was one of 14 Irish activists detained in Israel, described conditions as being akin to a "concentration camp" and said torture and beatings were a regular occurrence."

Read at Irish Independent