Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said Europe has reached an impasse over Israel’s actions and must respond more effectively.
Speaking around the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Druids Glen, County Wicklow, McEntee said the actions of the Israeli government over the summer are moving in only one direction.
She argued that EU settlements have been discussed for many years, but no Israeli prime minister has moved on the issue.
McEntee said countries must show that they uphold international law and respond effectively when other governments violate it.
She confirmed that Ireland has passed legislation and that she enacted it before the summer recess, with the law due to come into effect in September, banning goods from Israeli settlements.
She said other EU colleagues and countries are also looking at similar measures or already progressing legislation.
McEntee said she will encourage colleagues to respond collectively, arguing that Europe should put pressure on any government violating international law — including Israel — just as it puts pressure on Russia over its illegal war in Ukraine.
Her message was direct: if Europe claims to defend international law, it must apply that principle consistently.
#eudebates #McEntee #Israel #Palestine
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said Europe has reached an impasse over Israel’s actions and must respond more effectively.
Speaking around the Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers in Druids Glen, County Wicklow, McEntee said the actions of the Israeli government over the summer are moving in only one direction.
She argued that EU settlements have been discussed for many years, but no Israeli prime minister has moved on the issue.
McEntee said countries must show that they uphold international law and respond effectively when other governments violate it.
She confirmed that Ireland has passed legislation and that she enacted it before the summer recess, with the law due to come into effect in September, banning goods from Israeli settlements.
She said other EU colleagues and countries are also looking at similar measures or already progressing legislation.
McEntee said she will encourage colleagues to respond collectively, arguing that Europe should put pressure on any government violating international law — including Israel — just as it puts pressure on Russia over its illegal war in Ukraine.
Her message was direct: if Europe claims to defend international law, it must apply that principle consistently.
#eudebates #McEntee #Israel #Palestine
