Pass the Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill

Dear Deputies,

We call on you to vote in favour of the Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill 2026 when it comes before the Dáil. 

The bill is being proposed by Richard Boyd Barrett (People Before Profit) but it comes from the long-held mass movement demand for sanctions on the state of Israel.  It will be debated on 14 May and the vote in the Dáil is due to take place on 20 May.

For almost three years, the world has witnessed the genocidal destruction of Gaza  - the mass killing of civilians, the deliberate starvation and displacement of a population, the destruction of hospitals, schools, homes and basic infrastructure, and repeated statements of genocidal intent by Israeli political and military leaders.

Since its foundation in 1948, the Israeli regime has been built on the basis of a brutal and systemic policy of apartheid, ethnic cleansing and oppression directed at the Palestinian people, including the violent and illegal occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory, a twenty year long siege of Gaza, countless violations of International law and the complete denial of the most basic human and civil rights of Palestinians.

This has not been confined to Gaza. Israel has expanded its war across the region, including devastating attacks and illegal military action against Lebanon and Iran, threatening an even wider regional catastrophe.

Ireland has intervened in South Africa’s case against Israel before the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention. The Genocide Convention is not just a statement of principle; it is part of Irish law through the Genocide Act 1973. If the Irish state recognises its obligations to prevent and punish genocide, then those obligations must be acted upon.

Ireland cannot condemn genocide while continuing normal economic relations with the state carrying it out. We cannot speak about human rights or respect for international law while facilitating trade and investment with a state guilty of apartheid, ethnic cleansing and mass slaughter.

The Sanctions Against the State of Israel Bill 2026 would begin to meet Ireland’s legal and moral obligations by introducing comprehensive economic sanctions on the Israeli state, including a complete prohibition on trade, investment, technical assistance and financial dealings.

Ireland has a proud history of solidarity with oppressed peoples. Just as sanctions and international isolation were necessary against apartheid South Africa, they are necessary now against apartheid Israel.

The people of Ireland have marched, protested and stood with Palestine in enormous numbers. We are calling on you to match that solidarity with action.

Vote for the Bill.

Support sanctions on Israel.

Act now to stop genocide.