Ireland Moves Forward with Controversial Trade Bill

Ireland's government plans to reconsider a trade restriction bill with Palestinian territories following a UN court decision. Initially tabled in 2018, the Occupied Territories Bill faced obstacles due to EU trade policies. However, recent legal clarifications may enable national level actions to proceed.

Ireland's government is reconsidering a bill aimed at restricting trade with the Palestinian territories, following a landmark UN court decision that allows Dublin to make independent trade decisions separate from the European Union. Initially introduced in 2018, the Occupied Territories Bill gained extensive support in Ireland's parliament, but was stalled due to EU-led trade policies.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Michael Martin announced that a United Nations advisory opinion in July deemed Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories illegal, altering the footing for potential national actions. Martin emphasized that while trade traditionally falls under EU jurisdiction, legal grounds exist for individual states to act independently if EU-level consensus is unobtainable.

The Attorney General has clarified existing frameworks within EU law that permit state-level actions. Consequently, the government will revisit the Occupied Territories Bill, seeking amendments to align it with EU law and the Irish constitution. With complex legal and policy issues to resolve, the move comes in the lead-up to a general election, with opposition parties strongly favoring a ban on trade with the Palestinian territories. Ireland's recent recognition of a Palestinian state has further complicated relations with Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)