Simon Harris

The general scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill has now been published.

It follows a years-long debate over the Occupied Territories Bill, tabled in 2018 by Independent Senator Frances Black, which proposes to ban the importing of goods and services from Israeli settlements.

The government has argued that restrictions on trade with Israel only became compatible with EU law after the landmark advisory opinion handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024.

The new bill provides that the importation of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem, will become an offence under the Customs Act 2015.

The prohibition created by the bill will also then engage the customs powers under the 2015 Act, including those relating to search, seizure and forfeiture.

The general scheme will now be referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny.

Tánaiste and foreign affairs and trade minister Simon Harris said: “The situation in Palestine remains a matter of deep public concern.

“I have made it consistently clear that this government will use all levers at its disposal to address the horrifying situation on the ground and to contribute to long-term efforts to achieve a sustainable peace on the basis of the two-state solution.

“Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal and threaten the viability of the two-state solution. This is the longstanding position of the European Union and our international partners. Furthermore, this is the clear position under international law.

“I have been absolutely clear that we have yet to see an adequate response at EU level to the July 2024 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, notably as regards trade with Israeli settlements.

“This is an issue that I will continue to press at EU level and I reiterated my call for concrete proposals from the European Commission at the Foreign Affairs Council this week.

“However, pending an appropriate response at EU level, the government committed to advancing our own legislation on the matter and we have made a significant step forward now.

“I am acutely aware that this legislation has been a particular focus of public interest and attention here at home and I look forward to hearing the views of Oireachtas colleagues and key stakeholders on the general scheme.”