Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024
59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to advocate at EU level for the suspension of trade with Israel, in light of its ongoing actions in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3403/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTrade policy, including with regard to EU engagement, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
On the broader issue of EU leverage, as I have previously stated, the most credible and effective approach is for Ireland to continue to work to influence the EU’s collective position in a realistic manner. The central pillars of the EU position remain valid, including the clear EU position that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law and the EU’s ongoing concern regarding the rising level of extreme settler violence.
All agreements between the State of Israel and the EU must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. Ireland is consistently vocal in ensuring the application of this policy across all sectors of cooperation.
Furthermore, I welcome that discussions underway at EU level on potential sanctions against violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank who are attacking and displacing Palestinian communities. The US has already taken such action and I urged EU partners to rapidly advance these proposals at the Foreign Affairs Council last Monday.
