Ireland has made history by becoming the first European country to ban the trade and import of goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The landmark decision aligns with the recent Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024, which reaffirmed the settlements’ illegality under international law.
Unveiling the legislation, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said the move underscores Ireland’s enduring commitment to human rights and the two-state solution. He emphasized that the bill is aimed at promoting accountability, not targeting Israel itself.
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Once enacted, the law will criminalize the import of settlement products under the Customs Act 2015. The enforcement mechanism will rely on identifying goods by Israeli settlement postal codes—an approach already acknowledged by the European Union for labeling purposes.
Harris expressed hope that Ireland’s decision would inspire other nations to take similar steps in upholding international legal standards and supporting peaceful resolution in the region.
