Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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163. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the move by the Israeli state to blacklist and ban members of human rights groups, including a group (details supplied) in an undemocratic and aggressive manoeuvre to prevent them from entering Israeli-occupied Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1638/18]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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164. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 20 human rights advocacy groups are now on an official Israeli state blacklist and that an organisation (details supplied) has been included on this list; his views on the creation of this list and Israel’s decision to block human rights activists from travelling to Israel and Israeli occupied Palestine; and if he will raise his concerns directly with his Israeli counterpart. [1663/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

The Government does not support a policy of “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions”, or BDS, in relation to Israel. I firmly believe that such an approach is counter-productive, and that it will not help to increase ordinary Israelis' understanding of the sound basis for international concern about the impact of occupation.

In relation to the decision taken by Israel to exclude members of certain groups, I believe that this action also does not help to build a better mutual understanding or to move the situation forward.

Israel is of course entitled to decide who it allows into its territory, as is any other state. However, I believe that excluding people simply for critical opinions they hold is not the usual practice of a democracy. Moreover, such exclusions also have the effect of denying people access to the occupied Palestinian territory which Israel controls. While the Government does not support a policy of “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions”, it is a legitimate and non-violent political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as hostile.

During my visit to the Middle East last week, I raised this issue directly with Prime Minister Netanyahu. I told him that I believe it is counterproductive and mistaken to exclude, from Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, individuals belonging to groups which have a deep interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I hope that Israel will reconsider this decision.