August 19, 2014

EU stops import of dairy and poultry produce from Israeli settlements

Israel will cease export of poultry and dairy produce from settlements to the European Union from Jewish settlements considered illegal by the international community, according to Israeli and European officials.

The move, which will be effective September 1, stems from directives by the European Commission in February, that the EU will no longer recognise the authority of the veterinary inspections services of Israel to approve the export of poultry and dairy products originating from settlements. Chicken and milk products from settlements in east Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and the West Bank will be affected.

Poultry and dairy manufacturers have been advised by the agriculture ministry to "prepare for the EU decision and separate manufacturing lines, to enable the continued export to the Europe" without including products from settlements.

Haaretz newspaper on Sunday cited officials in the foreign and agricultural ministries as saying the move would have minimal economic effect as the produce affected would now be channelled towards the local Israeli market. To begin with, export of Israeli products from settlements to Europe was not significant and catered mainly for Jews who observe religious dietary laws and eat kosher food.