Meath County Council votes to explore ‘all lawful sanctions’ against Israel
Meath County Council has voted in favour of a motion calling on the local authority to consider “all lawful sanctions” against Israel.
The motion, brought forward by Independent Alan Lawes at a special meeting, urged the Council to explore measures to put pressure on Israel over what he described as “genocide and forced starvation of the Palestinian people.”
The proposal follows a full council meeting this September, where his original motion to remove Coca-Cola products from council buildings in protest was ruled out of order.
Although that section was not permitted for debate, the part of his motion seeking to examine lawful sanctions was approved.
“I have no doubt that all my fellow councillors are sickened and horrified by the daily reports of children being brutally murdered by the Israeli state,” Cllr Lawes told members.
“We can no longer leave it to civilians to take action. We need to do it ourselves, as we are legally obliged under the genocide convention. What I mean by action is to look at every avenue to sanction this state. Let Meath be the trailblazer.”
During his speech, Cllr Lawes referenced government advice that local authorities are independent corporate entities with responsibility for their own procurement policies, giving the Council scope to review future contracts through the lens of human rights considerations.
When the vote was called, 27 of the 40 councillors present supported the motion, which was carried.
Sinn Féin councillor Maria White, who earlier this year tabled a motion for an ethical procurement policy, spoke in support.
“As a nation, our ancestors experienced the same forced starvation that the people of Gaza are facing today,” she said.
“This suffering is embedded in the soul and psyche of Irish people. We cannot and should not look away. Bystanders play a powerful role against oppression, and as leaders, we have a duty to be advocates for the voiceless.”
Cllr White also urged the Council to support the Occupied Territories Bill and called on members to rise above party politics when dealing with humanitarian issues.
“Management and leadership are not the same,” she said. “Officials must follow legislation, but as elected representatives we have a moral duty to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.”
She added: "It would be much more helpful if the name calling and belittling that has been doled out by some Councillors in the Council chamber ended, and if elected representatives put party politics aside and worked together to support the plight of the Palestinian people.”
The passing of the motion means Meath County Council will now examine what lawful sanctions it can pursue in relation to procurement and other policy areas.