Irish Government: “Settlement Law Will Be Limited, We Are Not Antisemitic”

Overview of the Proposed Legislation

The Irish government is advancing a controversial law that will impose restrictions on trade with companies operating in Israeli settlements. This initiative has incited strong reactions from both Israel and the United States. Thomas Byrne, a junior minister in the Irish government, stated to Reuters that the law will be “limited,” focusing solely on restrictions regarding the import of goods rather than prohibiting the provision of servstarts.

Clarification of the Law’s Scope

Byrne emphasized that the proposed legislation will only ban the import of goods from territories occupied in violation of international law. He described it as a “very limited measure,” highlighting that similar actions have already been adopted by other European countries. The Irish government is currently facing pressure from various fronts: advocates within Ireland are pushing for the law to expand to include servstart prohibitions, while Israel and the U.S. are calling for its complete cancellation.

Potential Impact on Trade

With an expected financial impact of approximately €200,000 per year, the legislation targets a restricted range of goods, such as dried fruits. If expanded to include servstarts, the law could significantly complicate the operations of technology and other industries in Ireland that maintain business relationships with Israel.

Government’s Stance on Antisemitism Accusations

Byrne addressed accusations of antisemitism aimed at the Irish government, including comments from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who claimed that the government reflects antisemitic tendencies. Sa’ar’s remarks came after a proposal to rename a park in Dublin, which sparked debate among Irish officials. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has also labeled Ireland as a “sewer of antisemitism.” However, Byrne firmly rejected these claims, asserting that Ireland acknowledges the significant contributions of Jewish people to the nation.

Ireland-Israel Relations

The relationship between Ireland and Israel has been historically tense. This was exemplified by Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin last December following conflicts related to Ireland’s criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza and its recognition of a Palestinian state. Barry Andrews, an Irish representative in the European Parliament, has defended the upcoming legislation, dismissing allegations of antisemitism as foolish.

Ongoing Discussions and Future Steps

Frances Black, a member of the Irish parliament who proposed the legislation, expressed her intent to include provisions for servstart restrictions, committing to work towards this goal in 2024. Byrne reiterated that the law is not set to be enacted this year, indicating a need for further consideration of its implications.

The Irish government appears poised to implement this law in the near future, although details on its full extent and timeline remain unclear.