Following Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s instructions, Irish Ambassador Alison Kelly was summoned for a clarification meeting regarding a proposed piece of legislation which would prevent the import of goods produced in Israeli ‘settlements’ regarded by the Irish government as illegal.

The vote on this initiative has been postponed to an unknown date.

The ambassador stressed that the initiative was raised by independent representatives in the Irish Senate and that the Irish government opposes the initiative, adding that this is not a BDS initiative and that the Irish government opposes BDS.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director-General – Europe Division emphasized Israel’s vehement opposition to the initiative, stating it views any boycott of products produced in ‘settlements’ as a BDS initiative. An MFA statement read in part: “gives backing to those who seek to boycott Israel and completely contravenes the guiding principles of free trade and justice.”

The MFA requested the ambassador to convey this message to the Irish authorities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)