Ireland's Limited Trade Curbs with Israeli Settlements Sparks Debate

Ireland plans to curb trade with Israeli settlements, focusing strictly on goods rather than services. The legislation has drawn mixed reactions, with accusations of antisemitism from Israel. Ireland remains firm, clarifying the measure as limited, despite pressure from various stakeholders to modify its stance.

Ireland is moving forward with its proposed legislation to limit trade with Israeli settlements, a measure restricted solely to goods, said Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence. This decision comes despite controversy and claims of antisemitism from Israeli officials.

The bill aims to ban imports of goods originating from illegally-occupied territories, following precedents set by other European countries. Minister Byrne emphasized the narrow scope of the legislation, countering pressures from U.S. corporations and domestic lobbyists to broaden or scrap the measure.

The Irish government's actions have reignited discussions on European policies towards Israeli settlements, with some lawmakers pushing for a stricter approach by including services in the ban. The situation underscores Ireland's complex diplomatic relations with Israel and broader international dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)