Ireland has begun the legal process allowing it to ban goods made by Israeli settlements. But being part of the EU may stand in their way. Will they be able to do it?
The Emerald Isle lost a lot of its luster this past week when Ireland’s Senate chose to adopt a bill that can best be described as obtuse but, more accurately, as profoundly antisemitic at its core.
Lawfare Project has already filed complaints against the bill, saying it would violate foreign-trade competences that belong exclusively to the European Union.
In a further blow to already strained Irish-Israel relations, the Irish Senate yesterday approved a previously postponed bill that will criminalize trade with Israeli settlements – and could lead to the imprisonment for those who import settlement goods.
Dublin Mayor Mícheál Mac Donncha attended a conference in Ramallah, appearing under a banner with an image of Haj Amin al-Husseini, the 1930s-era Palestinian leader who was closely aligned with Hitler.
FM Coveney said discussions with Netanyahu touched on a range of issues, including settlements, the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza and the peace process.
Dublin’s City Council approved a measure Monday to fly the Palestinian flag over the Irish capital’s City Hall building during the month of May, in solidarity with Palestinians “living under occupation.”