Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
132. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update in relation to Ireland pushing for the EU to impose a travel ban and asset freeze on violent settlers; the reason for the difference between settlers, violent or non-violent, given that Dáil Éireann recognises Israeli settlements as the "de facto annexation" of Palestinian land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4069/24]
View answerThe EU position is clear; Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law.
In view of the unacceptable levels of violence being perpetrated by certain Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, in particular since 7 October 2023, I have underlined my strong support for EU sanctions targeting violent or extreme Israeli settlers. This is a matter that I have raised at successive meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.
Under the existing EU Global Human Rights Sanctions regime, it is possible to target individuals, entities and bodies – including state and non-state actors – responsible for, involved in or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses such as where they meet the threshold of being widespread, systematic or otherwise of serious concern as regards the objectives of the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
Detailed discussions are currently ongoing at official level regarding sanctioning certain individuals and/or entities where there is evidence that their activities meet this threshold. Decisions would need to be taken by the Council acting by unanimity. There is currently broad support from EU partners for this measure, which mirrors the approach taken by other international partners, including the US.
This initiative is not, nor is it intended to be, a comprehensive response to the issue of illegal Israeli settlements. EU policy on settlements in occupied territory remains clear and is based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.
