US State Department criticises Ireland's Occupied Territories Bill as 'virtue signalling' (irishtimes.com)

• US State Department calls Occupied Territories Bill 'virtue signalling', warns of impact on US businesses.
• Bill would ban imports from occupied Palestinian territories; inclusion of services still undecided.
• Irish government awaiting Attorney General's advice; Taoiseach hints services may be excluded.
• Opposition parties push for swift passage including services; Government cites EU legal concerns.

"The US State Department has directly criticised Ireland's Occupied Territories Bill, calling it 'unhelpful virtue signalling' and warning it could adversely affect American businesses. The bill would ban imports from occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Irish government is under political pressure to include services in the bill, but is awaiting legal advice. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has indicated services may not be included, while Tánaiste Simon Harris wants a legally robust method if possible."