Ireland is “not going to wait for consensus” from other European nations regarding trade with Israel’s illegal settlements, according to Taoiseach Simon Harris.
This statement follows the Attorney General informing the three Government party leaders that there is a new context to reconsider the Occupied Territories Bill.
The proposed legislation aims to prohibit trade between Ireland and Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Independent Senator Frances Black introduced the bill, which has previously received support from both the Dáil and Seanad.
In recent weeks, Mr. Harris sought updated legal guidance on the Bill.
Attorney General Rossa Fanning now believes that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion provides stronger legal grounds for a reevaluation of the Bill.
In July, the ICJ determined that Israel’s settlement policies and the exploitation of natural resources in Palestinian territories violated international law.
The Government party leaders were informed that several complex legal issues still exist, and substantial changes may be necessary before the bill reaches enactment.
Formal written advice will be presented to the Cabinet next week, indicating that the Bill is advancing.
As he headed into a Cabinet meeting, Mr. Harris expressed his desire for the current Government to make headway on this matter.
“Tomorrow, I will participate in the European Council, and my message to European leaders will be unmistakable: we are not going to wait for everyone in Europe to reach a consensus on this.”
“If there’s more that Ireland can do, Ireland will absolutely not fall short, and I am willing to collaborate with individuals across the political spectrum on this issue,” he stated.
“I genuinely hope for progress on this from the current Government,” Mr. Harris concluded.
The Taoiseach noted that there hasn’t been majority support in Europe for ceasing trade with Israel.
“It has always been my preference to act at a European level regarding this matter.”
“Myself and my Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sanchez, have continually urged at the European Council the necessity for Europe to halt trade with Israel until a ceasefire is established and the violence comes to an end.”
“However, there has not been widespread support for that position in Europe.”
Senator Frances Black emphasized the urgency of passing the existing bill
Senator Frances Black expressed her approval of the recent developments but mentioned that she still needs to review the complete details.
While speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, she stated: “What has been communicated thus far is positive and encouraging.”
She insisted that the existing bill is “ready and waiting” and should be passed without delay.
“If the Government aims to respect the ICJ judgment and take action, the swiftest route is to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.”
“We can make minor adjustments or amendments as needed to enhance or strengthen it,” she affirmed.
Tánaiste Mícheál Martin indicated that his department will draft a memorandum outlining a path forward for the bill for next week.
Also commenting as he entered the Cabinet, he noted that the existing bill would require considerable redrafting and amendments.
“My department will prepare a memorandum for next week, detailing a pathway forward concerning the Occupied Territories Bill and the implications of the International Court’s advisory opinion, which, as I mentioned previously, has altered the landscape by placing obligations on Member States not to support the illegal occupation of Palestine.”
“The International Court of Justice identifies the occupation in Palestine as illegal and directs states to avoid actions that may support it.”
“While this presents a clearer way forward, challenges remain, and the existing bill will need significant revisions based on the advice we’ve received,” Mr. Martin explained.
Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman
O’Gorman anticipates progress by the following week
Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has welcomed the latest guidance from the Attorney General.
He affirmed that the Green Party supports a ban on trade with the occupied territories.
He expressed his desire to see the Occupied Territories Bill advanced while this Government is still in power.
Mr. O’Gorman hopes to establish a strategy for moving forward on this issue by next week.
“The Attorney General will provide the three leaders with written guidance later this week, and I hope we can propose a plan for progress to Cabinet soon, perhaps as early as next week,” he added.
Additional reporting by Carla O’Brien
