Ireland is set to take a significant step against Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Tánaiste Simon Harris is presenting the Israeli Settlements Prohibition of Importation of Goods Bill 2025 to the Cabinet today. This legislation aims to outlaw trade with these territories, making the importation of any goods from them an offense under the Customs Act.
The bill will empower customs officers to enforce the ban, granting them the authority to inspect, search, and arrest individuals attempting to import goods from Israeli settlements. While the current version of the bill focuses on goods, it does not extend to services. However, Tánaiste Harris has indicated his openness to including services and has sought the Attorney General’s advice on this matter.
Following Cabinet approval, the bill will proceed to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for pre-legislative scrutiny. It’s uncertain whether the legislation will be enacted before the summer recess on July 17th.
Mr. Harris expressed his hope that Ireland’s initiative will encourage other nations to adopt similar measures. He emphasized the importance of every country utilizing all available diplomatic and economic tools.