Irish government passed bill banning import of Israeli products

On May 28, 2025 4:29 PM

IRELAND, May 28 (YPA) – The Irish government passed a bill on Tuesday banning the import of Israeli settlement products, which are considered illegal by the international community, in a move was described as “unprecedented” for a European Union member state.

“The government has agreed to move forward with legislation prohibiting trade in goods with settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories,” the Irish foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP., “The government considers this an obligation under international law.”

Conor O’Neill, head of Advocacy and Policy, said: “This Irish law will be the first meaningful trade measure ever within the European Union and is a welcome step.”

He noted that the Irish Parliament had to vote on this ban, which represents a symbolic step and will have no economic impact. “The decision covers goods such as fruits, vegetables, and timber, but not services such as tourism or information technology.”

The volume of trade between Ireland and the occupied territories (settlements) amounted to less than one million euros, between 2020 and 2024.

Meanwhile, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris told reporters on Tuesday: “I hope that when the small European country makes this decision, it will certainly be the first Western country to legislate this way, and that it will inspire other European countries to join us.”