Taoiseach Micheál Martin has criticized Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich amid escalating tensions around Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories. Alongside security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, they are facing international sanctions from several countries including the UK and Canada. Ireland plans to discuss potential sanctions at an upcoming conference on a two-state solution in New York, as well as pursuing the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement due to ongoing human rights concerns. The move has drawn ire from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing war crime allegations.
We have pushed for such sanctions at EU level, including at the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on May 20, but it requires unanimity and that isn't there for sanctioning these individuals at this point.
I believe the agreement should now be suspended, pending a review,
I am aware of reprehensible comments from Mr Smotrich... about conquering Gaza, and, with God's help, pushing the population south and into third countries.
Norway was previously involved with Ireland in a co-ordinated move to recognise a Palestinian state, which included diplomatic contact with Spain, Belgium, Malta and Slovenia last year.
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