Ireland Becomes the First European Country to Prohibit Trade
Ireland has made a groundbreaking move by becoming the first nation in the European Union to introduce legislation that bans trade with Israeli settlements situated in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The proposed legislation, titled the ‘Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025’, has received approval from the Irish Cabinet and is now poised for pre-legislative scrutiny by an Oireachtas committee.
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the bill as both a moral and legal response to what he referred to as the “horrifying situation” in Gaza, along with Israel’s continuous expansion of settlements in occupied areas—actions deemed illegal according to international law.
During a press briefing, Mr. Harris stated, “Ireland is expressing its position against genocidal actions happening in Gaza.”
He acknowledged Ireland’s relative solitude within the EU concerning this issue, highlighting that no other EU member has introduced similar legislation to date.
“We’re quite isolated on this topic,” he remarked. “However, since Europe is not taking collective action, we will advance our own national law.”
Harris called on his European colleagues to work alongside Ireland in pushing for unified measures.
“It would be much more effective if Europe acted together on this matter,” he noted.
This legislative initiative follows an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2024, which concluded that Israel’s settlements in these territories violate international law. The ICJ also indicated that third-party nations should halt any support or trade with such settlements.
Mr. Harris cited this ruling as a key basis for Ireland’s new bill, arguing that trading with these settlements sustains an unlawful situation.
The proposed law seeks to criminalize imports from Israeli settlements and will enable customs officials to inspect and confiscate such goods when necessary.
“We aim for a law that is effective and consistent with our domestic laws,” he clarified.
While nine EU member states—including Spain, Sweden, and Belgium—have recently urged the European Commission to consider aligning trade practices with international law, none have implemented measures as comprehensive as those suggested by Ireland.
“This is an issue I plan to advocate at the EU level,” he expressed hope that Ireland’s initiative could motivate broader European engagement.
The decision has prompted immediate criticism from Israeli officials.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced the legislation as “shameful,” accusing Ireland of unjustly targeting Israel amidst regional threats it encounters.
“It is regrettable that even while Israel faces an existential threat—one relevant to Europe’s interests—some individuals cannot resist their anti-Israel bias,” Saar commented on social media.
In spite of this criticism, Mr. Harris reiterated that Ireland’s stance is not anti-Israel but rooted in obligations under international law and humanitarian principles.
He underscored significant public concern within Ireland regarding conditions in Gaza: “The entire nation feels profoundly disturbed by witnessing genocide occurring there… particularly affecting children.”
With the bill currently under review by an Oireachtas committee, it is expected that all coalition members will support it as part of their government agenda.
Whether Ireland’s actions will lead to broader initiatives within the EU remains uncertain.
