UKLFI, Ireland Israel Alliance challenge proposed Irish bill on importing goods from West Bank
The UKLFI and IIA submission contends that the proposed bill constitutes a "unilateral Irish measure" that is "incompatible with the EU's Common Commercial Policy."
The Ireland Israel Alliance (IIA) and UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) have jointly submitted a written argument to Ireland's Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, challenging a proposed Irish bill on importing goods from the West Bank. The bill, which aims to ban the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, has been criticized for being incompatible with both EU law and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
The submission argues that the proposed legislation is a unilateral measure that conflicts with the EU's Common Commercial Policy, an area where the EU holds exclusive competence. The authors contend that the International Court of Justice's 2024 advisory opinion is not binding and does not require Ireland to ban the import of goods, as the opinion does not explicitly advise such a ban.
They also question the validity of the government's reliance on the public policy exception under EU regulations, asserting that it cannot be applied to the import of goods from parts of the West Bank. The submission highlights the inconsistency in the Irish government's stance, noting that it invests in companies operating in unlawful territories like Western Sahara and Northern Cyprus, yet seeks to ban imports from the West Bank.
The authors argue that the legislation would harm Palestinians economically, as Israeli businesses operating in the region contribute to self-determination and economic viability by employing Palestinians in well-paid jobs.
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