According to a report by Al Jazeera on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued a sharp warning to Ireland on Tuesday, stating that Dublin “will pay a price” if the Irish parliament passes legislation to ban the import of goods from the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Sa’ar characterized the proposed bill as antisemitic, accusing Ireland of targeting products based on the residency of Jewish people.
“We are taking intensive action against this legislation,” Sa’ar said, adding, “If they pass it, Ireland will pay a price.”
He condemned the measure for turning “the other cheek” and said the proposed ban unfairly singles out Jewish communities by blocking trade based on where they live.
The bill, known as the Occupied Territories Bill, is currently under debate within the Irish parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs.
If approved, Ireland would become the first European Union member state to implement such a trade ban on products from Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law.
The draft legislation, published last month, aims to prohibit imports of goods like dates, olives, and cosmetics produced in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Proponents argue this move aligns with international law and pressures Israel to change its policies in the occupied territories.
Relations between Dublin and Jerusalem have been tense for months.
In December, Israel closed its embassy in Ireland following the Irish government’s announcement recognizing a Palestinian state and a nonbinding parliamentary motion accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
While the Irish parliament is expected to recess until the fall before further debate, Sa’ar’s threat reflects the deepening diplomatic rift between Israel and Ireland over the conflict and the contested status of the West Bank settlements.
The dispute highlights growing international division on approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and signals possible diplomatic and economic reprisals if Ireland proceeds with the legislation.
