Israel summons Irish ambassador over settlement goods bill

JERUSALEM – Israel has summoned Ireland’s ambassador over a bill seeking to ban the import of West Bank settlement products.

The bill must pass several hurdles to become law. If it does, Ireland would become the first European country to ban settlement goods.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that the ambassador noted the Irish government opposes the bill, as well as an international movement known as BDS, which advocates boycotts against Israel.

The European Union in 2015 approved guidelines to label settlement products. It said the move was meant to differentiate between Israel, a close trade partner, and the settlements, which it considers illegal.

The Irish bill also makes a distinction between Israel and the settlements. Israel opposes boycotts of any territories it controls, saying they bolster the BDS movement.