Stormont's Economy Minister is facing a legal challenge after directing officials to exclude Northern Ireland from trade talks between the United Kingdom and Israel and to withhold financial support from companies arming Israel. The challenge, brought by Unionist Voice Policy Studies, argues that international trade policy is not a devolved issue and that the minister acted beyond her authority. The minister had announced new measures to prevent public funds from supporting arms manufacturing linked to Israel, citing concerns over genocide and occupation. The issue has sparked political debate, with calls for the matter to be referred to the full Stormont Executive and a request for urgent debate in the House of Commons.