Ireland's Bold Move: Trade Restrictions on Israeli Settlements

The Irish government is preparing to introduce a bill restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. This decision follows a UN court ruling that empowers Dublin to act independently of the EU. The bill, earlier stalled due to EU trade policy, may now proceed with legal and policy adjustments.

The Irish government is pushing forward a legislative bill to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. Following a UN court ruling that grants Ireland more autonomy in its trade decisions outside EU directives, the government has found new ground to reconsider this bill.

Originally tabled by an independent lawmaker in 2018, the Occupied Territories Bill had broad support in Ireland's parliament. However, it faced hurdles because trade policy was within the EU's remit. Ireland's Foreign Minister Michael Martin recently stated that an advisory opinion by the UN's highest court in July has redefined the legality of Israel's occupation, influencing Ireland's potential actions.

Martin also noted that if EU-led action isn't feasible, there are provisions in EU law that allow individual states to make national-level decisions. As Ireland prepares for upcoming elections, the bill's progress holds particular significance, especially since all major opposition parties support banning trade with occupied territories.

(With inputs from agencies.)