Ireland's Occupied Territories Bill excludes services from trade ban, opposition seeks amendments (irishtimes.com)

• Government bill bans trade in goods from illegal Israeli settlements but excludes services.
• Opposition vows to amend to extend ban to services, citing stronger economic impact.
• Irish Embassy in US warns of negative consequences; IDA also concerned.

"The Irish government's Occupied Territories Bill, banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements, was brought to Cabinet but excludes services from the ban. Opposition parties plan to amend the legislation to include services. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee cited legal difficulties and potential economic harm to Ireland. The Irish Embassy in Washington warned of negative US consequences. The bill is seen as a political test of Ireland's stance on Gaza, with public support for stronger measures."