Ireland Takes a Bold Step on Trade with Israel
Taoiseach Simon Harris announced on Wednesday that Ireland is prepared to take decisive action by unilaterally suspending trade with Israel concerning products sourced from the occupied West Bank. This initiative is expected to begin within weeks, reflecting Ireland’s commitment to addressing international law and human rights issues.
“Ireland, in light of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion released in July, will not wait for a collective European response regarding trade in the occupied Palestinian territories,” Harris stated to reporters in Brussels, where he was attending a summit with the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Attorney General of Ireland is anticipated to provide formal legal guidance on this matter “next week”, detailing the potential actions the country may pursue. Harris emphasized, “We aim to explore the feasibility of implementing trade restrictions concerning the occupied Palestinian territories, in accordance with the obligations outlined in the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion to take all necessary steps to terminate what is recognized as an illegal and unlawful occupation.”
The Irish government is hopeful that it can reintroduce the Occupied Territories Bill, first proposed in 2018, which was previously set aside due to concerns that it conflicted with European Union trade regulations. The new legal basis provided by the ICJ advisory opinion is expected to support the bill’s revival.
Europe’s Hesitation on Human Rights Concerns
This significant move from Dublin comes amidst ongoing frustrations with the EU’s lack of response to calls for an Association Council meeting with Israel, aimed at discussing the nation’s adherence to human rights standards amid its military actions in Gaza. Five months have passed since the EU formally requested this meeting.
The EU-Israel trade agreement, also known as the Association Agreement, permits the reimposition of trade restrictions should human rights violations occur. Israel, however, has resisted the idea of a special meeting focused on human rights issues, proposing instead a regular review of the trade arrangement later in the year.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s outgoing High Representative for Foreign Affairs, acknowledged on Monday that it appears unlikely such a meeting will take place before mid-November, as he is set to step down in early December.
A senior EU official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the bloc has already “proposed a draft agenda” and is “continuing negotiations with Israel.” Meanwhile, Brussels has implemented sanctions targeting a small number of Israeli settlers involved in attacks against Palestinian communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Borrell has also suggested extending sanctions to two Israeli ministers.
For Harris, who is also scheduled to participate in a summit of EU leaders on Thursday, the EU’s failure to convene the meeting with Israel underscores that “Europe has not yet fully utilized every lever at its disposal” to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza. He remarked, “It is entirely fitting that the EU-Israel Association Agreement undergoes a thorough review. However, this perspective has not yet gained majority support within the European Union. I will advocate for the necessity of reevaluating that agreement.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez added to the discussion this week, urging the European Commission to “finally respond” to the formal request made by Madrid and Dublin to halt the Association Agreement with Israel if it is determined, as current evidence suggests, that human rights are indeed being violated.
Sanchez, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, has also supported the suspension of weapon sales to Israel until a ceasefire is established, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials.
