US Congress urges Trump admin to investigate Ireland over Israeli settlement boycott

Sixteen Republican House members, led by Tenney, urged Bessent to investigate Ireland’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Bill 2025, which bans trade with Israeli settlements. The letter claims the bill aligns with the BDS movement, aiming to isolate Israel economically. “This measure… promote[s] economic discrimination,” the letter states, citing legal risks for U.S. firms in Ireland.

The bill may violate U.S. anti-boycott laws under Section 999, potentially placing Ireland on a U.S. boycott list, triggering tax penalties and reporting requirements for American businesses. “We encourage the Treasury Department to assess whether Ireland’s proposal… require[s] participation in… an international boycott,” the letter insists.

Ireland’s government, aware of U.S. objections for years, defends the bill. Taoiseach Martin emphasized, “It relates to the Occupied Territories, not to Israel.” Despite U.S. concerns raised five years ago, Ireland persists, with the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee recently advocating to include services in the ban. Lahart called the bill “important” but symbolic, noting Ireland’s reputation faces smears over its stance. If deemed a boycott, Ireland risks strained U.S. economic ties, impacting future business deals.