Few observers of international efforts to sideline Israel were surprised to see Ireland poised to become the first European country to criminalize the import of goods produced in Judea and Samaria.
In recent years, antagonism toward Israel has practically become Ireland's national sport. Just in the past few months, Dublin has spearheaded initiatives against Israel alongside another problematic European partner, Spain. Those efforts have thus far failed, but Ireland remains undeterred.
In fact, Ireland first tried to advance the so-called "Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories)" bill back in 2018. But it failed due to legal hurdles – not minor ones, but major roadblocks stemming from a direct conflict with EU law, which states that only the EU itself can determine the trade policy of its member states.
As such, EU countries, including Ireland, cannot unilaterally decide to boycott certain countries or territories. The bill also risks violating Ireland's obligations under World Trade Organization rules, which prohibit discriminatory treatment of trade partners.
Beyond these legal issues, the bill has three additional implications – diplomatic, moral, and practical.
Diplomatically, the legislation has already created tensions with the most powerful country in the world, the US. Under American law, US companies – including those operating in Ireland – are barred from participating in boycotts not endorsed by Washington.
Such companies employ more than 10% of Ireland's workforce. If forced to choose between violating US or Irish law, many may opt to relocate, delivering a blow to the Irish economy. US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent figure in Washington, has already warned that the US will not turn a blind eye to Irish attempts to boycott Israel. And Graham is not someone the Irish would be wise to antagonize.
Morally, Ireland's decision to single out Judea and Samaria while ignoring far more egregious regions around the world is shameful. Dublin is not leading any similar crusades against companies operating in China's Xinjiang region, where millions of Muslims are persecuted, tortured, and imprisoned in "reeducation" camps.
When pressed on the issue, Irish officials did not even suggest banning goods from that region, some of which are produced through forced labor, and merely said they had conveyed their views to their Chinese counterparts. For contrast, enlightened countries like the US, Canada, and the UK have imposed restrictions on imports from Xinjiang.
Practically speaking, this law would not only harm Jews living in Judea and Samaria, but also Palestinians. Many Palestinians work in factories and businesses in areas such as the Maaleh Adumim and Barkan industrial zones. What do Irish lawmakers think will happen if these companies are boycotted?
Logic dictates two likely outcomes: The first is a drop in sales, leading to layoffs, including among Palestinian employees. Alternatively, the companies may relocate elsewhere in Israel – as SodaStream did after facing boycotts over its operations in Judea and Samaria. But in those new locations, they would not be able to employ Palestinians, meaning those workers would suffer even more.
Europe's obsession with Israel, and especially with Judea and Samaria, stems from various motivations - including antisemitism and a desire among some Europeans to ease their conscience. But in some cases, it's also driven by sheer ignorance. That ignorance won't be remedied by disengaging from dialogue, as evidenced by the closure of the Israeli embassy in Ireland. Irish Jews have spoken out against the bill, but they need Israel's support – diplomatically, legally, and in the court of public opinion – to stop it.
