Irish Court Strikes Down Police Decision Not to Investigate Airbnb over Israeli Settlements
On October 16, 2025, Ireland’s High Court overturned a decision by the Irish police (An Garda Síochána) not to investigate Airbnb’s operations in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The ruling followed a complaint by the Irish-Palestinian NGO Sadaka, which argued that the police refusal to investigate was legally flawed and irrational.
Key Points
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The court rejected the argument that the Irish police lacked jurisdiction, noting that Airbnb’s European and Middle Eastern headquarters are based in Ireland, giving Irish authorities legal competence.
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While the decision does not automatically trigger an investigation, it requires the police to reconsider their previous decision.
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Airbnb stated that it does not profit from listings in the West Bank and has never participated in a boycott of Israel or Israeli companies.
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Over 150 companies, including Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor, operate in these settlements, which the international community generally considers illegal under international law. Israel disputes this classification, labeling the area as “disputed territory” rather than “occupied.”
Broader Context
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The ruling comes amid a broader legal and political debate in Ireland over a bill concerning Occupied Territories, which seeks to ban trade with Israeli settlements.
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The court’s decision sets an important precedent regarding corporate responsibility in areas considered occupied, highlighting the role of national jurisdictions in regulating economic activities linked to alleged violations of international law.
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