Irish Central Bank Ends Approval of Israeli Bonds After Protests

The Central Bank of Ireland has ceased its role in facilitating the sale of Israeli government bonds in the EU as its 2024 prospectus approval expired, with Luxembourg's financial authority now taking over this function. This move follows widespread protests and pressure from Irish activists and politicians who argue that the bonds, often termed 'war bonds,' fund Israel's military operations in Gaza and contribute to what some describe as genocide against Palestinians. While the Central Bank maintained it could only refuse approval if EU-wide sanctions were in place, critics condemned its previous approval of the bonds as complicity in war crimes. Activists and opposition voices call for further legislative and trade actions, including the enactment of Ireland's Occupied Territories Bill and sanctions against Israel, as well as ending US military use of Shannon Airport. The transition to Luxembourg relieves immediate pressure on the Irish government and Central Bank, but campaigners urge the EU to live up to its human rights commitments by suspending trade agreements with Israel. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between legal regulatory frameworks and grassroots demands for political accountability over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.