Latest news with #ProhibitionofImportationofGoods
The Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Group of US politicians express concern over proposed Irish trade ban with Israeli settlements
A GROUP OF US politicians have urged the US treasury secretary Scott Bessent to examine if the Irish Government's proposed ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine would breach American anti-boycott laws. Sixteen US congress members have signed a letter calling for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025, which seeks to ban the trade of goods between Ireland and Israeli settlements, to be investigated. Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, for New York, is leading the group of politicians. The letter references the US anti-boycott laws, which seek to oppose boycotts against America and its allies. Should the US find the Irish ban constitutes a 'foreign boycott', America may take action to counteract the ban and include Ireland on a purported 'boycott list', potentially suspending future US business deals in Dublin and elsewhere. The Irish government has been aware for a number of years that the anti-boycott movement in the US, made up of a number of American politicians, would take issue with the Occupied Territories Bill. The group's letter reads: 'This measure is part of a broader effort aligned with the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to economically isolate Israel. 'Such policies not only promote economic discrimination but also create legal uncertainty for U.S. companies operating in Ireland.' It added that the Irish ban on trade between illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine would 'not only promote economic discrimination but also create legal uncertainty for US companies operating in Ireland'. Advertisement It added: 'We encourage the Treasury Department to assess whether Ireland's proposal indicate that they require or may require participation in or encouragement of an international boycott within the meaning of [US anti-boycott mechanisms].' Speaking to The Journal prior to the general election in November, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the US embassy have previously expressed concern over the ban, but that Ireland was clear in its position on the matter. He said: 'I had already made the decision, prior to that communication. I was aware of that it's not a new concern [from the US]. That's been there a long time. 'It's not a surprise that the US Embassy would communicate that, they communicated that five or six years ago, and that's been a standard position. 'Our position is that it relates to the Occupied Territories, not to Israel. And that might be a point of difference in the US, because, in the US, people might look at it differently – but we have a very clear view of it here.' Politicians on the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee last month recommended that trade of services should be included in the law. Chairperson of the committee, Fianna Fáil's John Lahart, said while the Bill has been described as largely symbolic, it remains 'important'. He added that Ireland's reputation has been tarnished by some , stating that there have been smears and lies said about the country due to the position it has taken on this piece of legislation. With reporting by Christina Finn Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Foreign Affairs Committee recommends inclusion of services in Israeli settlements trade ban
A COMMITTEE HAS 'unanimously' recommended that services should be included in the Government's proposed ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, a TD has said. The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs committee is making the recommendation after hearing evidence from expert witnesses in relation to the Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025. The report containing the recommendation is expected to be published next Wednesday. The Irish Government has said it will legislate to ban the trade of goods with illegal Israeli settlements following an advisory opinion from the UN's top court. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said last year that countries should 'take steps to prevent trade or investment relations' that maintain illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. Although the opinion does not differentiate between types of trade, government figures have indicated a ban on services is more legally complex. Sinn Féin TD and member of the committee Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the 'vitally important' recommendation to include services received 'no push back' from any committee member. He said that could encompass services across financial, tech and accommodation sectors. Advertisement 'Clearly, morally, the same issue arises whether it is goods or services, you're still trading with illegal settlements that are undermining the potential for peace in the Middle East.' He lamented the humanitarian disaster and widespread starvation in Gaza in what he called 'human rights abuses upon human rights abuses' in the Palestinian enclave. The foreign affairs committee's recommendation has been welcomed by Christian Aid Ireland as 'hugely significant'. The charity's head of policy Conor O'Neill said: 'Despite all the spin, misinformation and threats, TDs and senators from both Government and opposition spent weeks looking at the Occupied Territories Bill in detail, weighing up the evidence, hearing from experts and considering the impact. 'They have said unequivocally: it is time to ban all trade with the illegal Israeli settlements, both goods and services, in line with international law. 'This is a crucial vote of confidence and a clear message to Government that we must do this right. 'Ultimately it doesn't matter whether you're importing a box of olives produced on stolen Palestinian farmland, or booking a holiday rental in a stolen Palestinian home on a service platform like Airbnb. 'A euro of support is a euro of support, and the ICJ was clear that all of it has to end. The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee have upheld this very strongly today, and Government must listen. 'We need to pass a full, effective Occupied Territories Bill as a matter of urgency.'
The Journal
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Former Minister Alan Shatter to address Committee opposing Occupied Territories Bill
FORMER JUSTICE MINISTER Alan Shatter is to address the Committee of Foreign Affairs this afternoon representing the Ireland-Israel Association. He will be opposing the implementation of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025. Speakers in favour of the bill, and in favour of extending the remit of the bill to include services, will also address the Committee. Ireland Palestine Chair Éamonn Meehan will say that the Bill is an appropriate legal measure to put in place. Advertisement Shatter is expected to claim in his opening statements that the bill discriminates against Jewish people and is a sectarian measure based on falsehoods. He has long been a vocal opponent of the proposed legislation. On the way into Cabinet this morning, Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris responded to a question on his reaction to comments made by Shatter on Newstalk Breakfast this morning in which he claimed that the OTB legislation was reminiscent of 'Nazi Germany legislation'. 'I'm not really sure I have one,' he told reporters. 'I'm much more concerned, rather than Alan Shatter… I'm much more concerned in stopping Israel killing children.' In reaction to a statement that Shatter would be addressing the Oireachtas committee with those comments, Harris said: 'I wish him well.' Includes reporting by Muiris O'Cearbhaill Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Hill
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Ireland will regret its anti-Israel boycott
Ireland is on the verge of passing an incredibly discriminatory — and legally dangerous — piece of legislation: the so-called Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025. This first-in-Europe measure would criminalize the importation of goods from Israeli businesses operating in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Framed by its supporters as a political statement, the bill is being pushed with rhetoric about 'genocidal activity,' invoking the language of demonization rather than diplomacy. But beyond the usual anti-Israel bias, this bill creates a very real and immediate legal risk — not for Israel, but for American companies and investors. The U.S. has a clear and long-standing policy position: It opposes foreign government-led boycotts against Israel, including those targeting Israeli-controlled territories. Since 1977, when President Jimmy Carter signed the anti-boycott provisions of the Export Administration Act, every American administration and every Congress — Democrat and Republican — has upheld this principle. As Carter himself noted, our concern about foreign boycotts stemmed from both our special relationship with Israel and the broader economic, military and security needs of the U.S. That bipartisan consensus was reaffirmed as recently as 2016, when President Barack Obama signed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which directs federal agencies to oppose boycott efforts and requires regular reporting on entities that participate in activities related to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. Federal anti-boycott laws make it illegal for U.S. companies to comply with foreign government boycott requests targeting Israel. That means American firms that change their behavior in response to Ireland's new law — whether by canceling contracts, terminating suppliers or rerouting goods away from Israeli partners in the West Bank — could face serious penalties at home. In addition to federal restrictions, more than 36 U.S. states have adopted laws that bar companies from receiving state contracts if they boycott Israel (or, in many cases, Israeli territories). Some laws, like that of Texas, even require vendors to certify that they are not boycotting Israel. Firms that comply with Ireland's law will risk contract termination, state debarment and enforcement actions from state attorneys general. So the U.S. position is clear: It supports Israel. It does not support the movement to boycott, divest from or impose sanctions against Israel. Under federal law, U.S. firms are prohibited from refusing to do business with Israel, or furnishing boycott-related information, when those actions are taken at the request of a foreign government. Violations can result in steep civil penalties, loss of export privileges and, in egregious cases, criminal charges. If Ireland's law impels a U.S. firm to terminate contracts, reroute goods or avoid Israeli entities in disputed areas, that would qualify as a reportable boycott action under federal law. Beyond shielding American citizens from coercion and keeping government actors from entangling themselves in discriminatory practices, federal and state laws against anti-Israeli discrimination also serve a critical economic and national security function. Disrupting commerce with Israel — a close and reliable U.S. ally — risks destabilizing not only Israel's economy but also America's economy. The economic partnership between the two countries is large and growing. Israel is America's 25th largest trading partner, with more than $37 billion in annual trade. The U.S. benefits directly from Israel's innovation sector, defense cooperation and strategic stability in the Middle East. Ireland's anti-Israel discrimination isn't just morally and legally wrong, but also also economically reckless, strategically self-defeating and, overall, a bad business decision for the U.S. To align with Ireland and proceed along this discriminatory path would violate the fiduciary duties of loyalty and care that officers and directors owe their corporations. The duty of loyalty requires decision-makers to put the welfare and best interests of the company before their own personal interests and feelings, and the duty of care requires them to reasonably consider the impact of their decisions on the company's prospects. Any company that complies with Ireland's law would be blocked from doing business in a majority of the U.S. Losing money in the service of controversial or illegal ideological stances cannot be justified under any theory of good corporate governance. Ironically, Ireland's attempt to isolate Israel may end up isolating Irish companies from U.S. markets. American businesses that comply with Ireland's law risk disqualification from government contracts, reputational damage in the U.S., and federal enforcement actions. And because U.S. anti-boycott law applies to all covered transactions, whether the action is direct or indirect, even internal company decisions based on Ireland's law may trigger liability. U.S. companies that want to remain safe should firmly and clearly reject this effort from Ireland. U.S. law comes first, and discriminatory foreign laws will not dictate American business policy. To the extent necessary, these businesses should also conduct a Foreign Law Compliance Audit, reviewing operations, internal directives, joint ventures, suppliers and distribution agreements that may be implicated by Ireland's ban, and flagging any decisions or actions that might be tied explicitly or implicitly to foreign legal pressure. They should also track and report any foreign government requests to the Department of Commerce's Office of Antiboycott Compliance, as required. Companies must make sure to educate and train executives, board members, advisers and other stakeholders that anti-Israel divestment creates legal exposure, not safety. As anti-Israel legislation spreads in Europe and beyond, U.S. firms need a unified strategy — one that respects federal law, preserves market access and resists political manipulation of trade. Failure to act now risks not just foreign market confusion but domestic enforcement, reputational blowback and potential criminal liability. The reward of unlawful discrimination is simply never worth the risk. Mark Goldfeder is CEO of the National Jewish Advocacy Center and a law professor at Touro University. Anat Beck is a corporate law professor at Case Western Reserve University and a visiting scholar at Harvard Law School. Erielle Davidson is an associate at Holtzman Vogel and a legal fellow at the National Jewish Advocacy Center.
Irish Post
27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland becomes first EU nation to introduce ban on trade with Israeli settlements
IRELAND has become the first country in the EU to bring forward legislation that bans trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The law, titled the 'Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025', was approved by the Irish Cabinet and is now headed to the Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny. Tánaiste Simon Harris described the bill as a moral and legal response to the 'horrifying situation' in Gaza and Israel's continued settlement expansion in occupied territories - actions deemed illegal under international law. Speaking at a press conference, Mr Harris stated, 'Ireland is speaking up and speaking out against the genocidal activity in Gaza.' He acknowledged Ireland's isolation within the EU on this issue, saying that no other EU country has yet introduced similar legislation. 'We're pretty lonely out there,' he said. 'But in the absence of Europe moving together, we're going to go ahead with our own domestic legislation.' He called on his EU counterparts to join Ireland in pushing for collective action. 'It would be a hell of a lot better if Europe moved together on it, and a hell of a lot more impactful,' Mr Harris said. The legislation follows the 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, which concluded that Israel's settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law. The ICJ also held that third countries must stop aiding or trading with such settlements. Mr Harris cited this ruling as a driving force in the legal foundation of Ireland's new bill, arguing that trade with these settlements contributes to maintaining an illegal situation. The proposed law will criminalise the importation of goods from Israeli settlements, granting customs officials authority to inspect, seize or confiscate them. 'We want a law that is impactful and compliant with the laws of our land,' he said. While nine EU member states - including Spain, Sweden and Belgium - have recently called on the European Commission to explore ways to align trade practices with international law, none have gone as far as Ireland. 'This is an issue that I will continue to press at EU level,' he stated, adding that he hopes Ireland's example will act as a catalyst for broader European action. The move has drawn swift condemnation from Israeli officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labelled the legislation 'shameful', accusing Ireland of singling out Israel during a time when it faces threats throughout the region. 'It is regrettable that even when Israel is fighting an existential threat, which is in Europe's vital interest - there are those who can't resist their anti-Israeli obsession,' Saar wrote on social media. Despite this, Mr Harris emphasised that Ireland's stance is not anti-Israel but rooted in international legal obligations and humanitarian concerns. He pointed to widespread Irish public outrage over the situation in Gaza, saying, 'Everybody in this country is sickened to the pit of their stomach with the genocide they see in Gaza… particularly children.' With the bill now before an Oireachtas committee, the government expects all coalition members to support it as part of the Programme for Government. Whether Ireland's move sparks broader EU action remains to be seen. See More: EU, Israel, Palestine, Simon Harris, West Bank
