The Dáil recently addressed allegations that Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe had a confidential phone call with his Israeli counterpart in 2019 regarding the government’s intention to block the Occupied Territories Bill. Tánaiste Micheál Martin clarified that Minister Donohoe denied making such a call and had no record of it in his diary. The issue was raised by Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding engagements with Israeli officials and urging the immediate enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill.
Deputy Carthy highlighted Israel’s violations of international law in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for accountability for their actions. The Tánaiste condemned both Israeli attacks on civilians and Hamas’ actions, advocating for consequences for such violence. He mentioned legal concerns regarding the Occupied Territories Bill but emphasized the importance of seeking further advice in light of international opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In response to the situation, Ireland and Spain are urging the European Commission to review the EU-Israeli association agreement within the context of international legal opinions on the occupation of Palestine.