Ireland to Ban Imports from Illegal Israeli Settlements

Ireland is all set to become the first European Union (EU) nation to ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements. 

The decision could put the country at odds with the European Commission, which is the EU's executive arm. 

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin revealed on Tuesday, Oct. 22 that the Irish authorities will review a draft bill related to trade and investments in occupied Palestinian territories to align them with the Irish constitution and EU law. 

Martin said about the decision, "This is one element of the government’s approach to the devastating violence and the appalling humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank."

Pro-Palestinian campaigners hope that a similar decision will be taken by other European countries like Spain, Belgium, and Luxembourg, potentially paving the path for an EU-wide ban since the EU is the largest trade partner Israel. 

Ireland has had a draft bill related to Israel's occupation stuck at cabinet level for years, but the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion in July eased matters. 

In the advisory, the ICJ explained in its advisory opinion in July that countries must "take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory".

Ireland's Attorney General, Rossa Fanning, also helped with matters by informing the country that the EU law does not prevent a member state from adhering to its laws, which include the need to ban trade with settlements. The clarification has helped Ireland to proceed with the ban. 

The bill is expected to be adopted by the Irish parliament within the upcoming weeks. 

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