Irish FM confirm anti-Israeli BDS movement

In advance of his June visit to Occupied Territories, Irish Foreign Minister Charles Flanagan has confirmed the legitimacy of the anti- Israeli Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

“While the [Irish] government does not itself support such a policy, it is a legitimate political viewpoint, albeit one regarded in Israel as deeply hostile,” he told the Irish parliament last Thursday during a question and answer session.

“I do not agree with attempts to demonize those who advocate this policy, or to equate them with violent terrorists,” he said.

Holland and Sweden have similarly confirmed that the BDS movement, which seeks to push Israel to withdraw to the pre-1967 lines and allow refugees to return, is protected under the laws of free speech.