Ireland has become the first EU country to propose legislation banning trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025, approved by the Irish Cabinet, is now under review by the Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny, The Irish Post reports.
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris called the bill a moral and legal response to Israel’s settlement expansion, deemed illegal under international law, and the “horrifying situation” in Gaza.
“Ireland is speaking up and speaking out against the genocidal activity in Gaza,” Harris said, citing the 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that declared Israel’s settlements unlawful and urged third countries to halt trade with them.
The legislation will criminalize importing goods from these settlements, empowering customs officials to seize such items.
Harris acknowledged Ireland’s isolation within the EU, noting: “We’re pretty lonely out there,” but urged collective European action. Nine EU states, including Spain and Sweden, have pushed for aligned trade practices, but none have matched Ireland’s step.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the move as “shameful,” accusing Ireland of anti-Israel bias. Harris countered that the bill reflects humanitarian concerns and legal obligations, driven by Irish public outrage over Gaza. The bill enjoys coalition support, but its broader EU impact remains uncertain.