Ireland has become the first European Union country to advance legislation that prohibits trade with Israeli settlements located in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The proposed law, titled the ‘Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025’, has been approved by the Irish Cabinet and will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas.
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the bill as both a legal and moral response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s ongoing settlement activities in occupied territories, which are widely recognized as violations of international law.
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Speaking at a press briefing, Harris said, “Ireland is speaking up and speaking out against the genocidal activity in Gaza.” He acknowledged Ireland’s isolated stance within the EU, noting that while several countries have expressed concerns, none have yet introduced legislation as direct as Ireland’s.
“We’re pretty lonely out there,” Harris admitted. “But if the EU won’t act collectively, we’re moving forward with our own national law.” He urged other EU nations to follow Ireland’s lead and push for a unified European approach.
The move aligns with a 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which confirmed that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal and declared that third-party nations must avoid supporting or engaging in trade with such settlements.
Harris cited the ICJ’s opinion as a cornerstone of the bill, arguing that continued trade with these settlements contributes to sustaining illegal occupation. Under the proposed law, customs authorities would be empowered to inspect, seize, or confiscate any goods imported from these territories.
“We’re drafting a law that is both effective and in full compliance with Irish legal standards,” Harris stated.
Although several EU countries — including Spain, Sweden, and Belgium — have recently called for aligning trade with international law, none have taken steps as bold as Ireland’s. Harris confirmed he will continue pushing this issue at the EU level, expressing hope that Ireland’s leadership will inspire broader action.
The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling the bill “shameful” and accusing Ireland of singling out Israel at a time of regional instability.
Saar commented on social media, “It is regrettable that even when Israel is facing an existential threat — one that also endangers Europe’s stability — there are still those who obsessively target Israel.”
In response, Harris clarified that Ireland’s position is not anti-Israel, but based on humanitarian values and international legal obligations. He also pointed to the widespread public anger in Ireland over the situation in Gaza, particularly concerning the toll on civilians and children.
“Everyone in this country is sickened to their core by the genocide unfolding in Gaza,” he said.
The government expects support for the bill from all coalition partners, as it is part of the Programme for Government. Whether this bold move by Ireland will trigger wider legislative action across the European Union remains uncertain, but the country has clearly set a precedent in holding trade practices accountable to international law.
