Bill passes banning trade of goods with illegal Israeli settlements

It was tabled to replace Independent Senator Frances Black’s 2018 Occupied Territories Bill, which banned all trade from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Picture: Sam Boal.

Legislation banning the trade of goods from the occupied Palestinian territories has been passed by both houses of the Oireachtas.

The Bill passed through the Seanad on Wednesday and will now go to the President to be signed into law.

The Government’s Bill prohibits the import of goods from “certain Israeli settlements”, in line with its international obligations as set out in the advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice from July 2024.

It was tabled to replace Independent Senator Frances Black’s 2018 Occupied Territories Bill, which banned all trade from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill was tabled by the Government to replace Ms Black’s Bill, which has been a popular demand from pro-Palestine protesters in Ireland.

However, activists and opposition politicians have criticised the Government’s decision to limit the prohibition to trade of goods and omit services.

The Irish Government has said that a ban on the trade of services is more complex than goods and cited legal advice from the Attorney General that it would not be possible.

Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee welcomed the passage of the Bill and said: “Today marks an important step in reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to international law, human rights and a just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution.

“I want to thank Senator Frances Black for her unwavering commitment to this issue over many years.

“I also want to acknowledge the constructive engagement of colleagues across both Houses of the Oireachtas and the valuable contribution of civil society throughout the legislative process.” The Government says it continues to work with European counterparts to progress an EU-wide prohibition on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.