Bank says its hands tied on Israel's bonds

'Can't sanction when EU has not done so'

- BY LOUISE BURNE Political Correspondent

THE “intensity” of the conflict in Gaza “puts a question mark" over whether the financial viability of Israel “still remains secure”, the Central Bank of Ireland said.

But the bank insisted it cannot “impose sanctions” on Israel or stop facilitating the sale of so-called “Israeli war bonds”.

The comments were made at the Finance Committee, which was held several hours before the Dail was due to vote on selling the bonds for the second time in as many weeks.

The CBI is the designated authority for the sale of Israeli bonds in the EU.