A bill introduced June 9 to the
Israeli Knesset, the government’s legislative branch, seeks to criminalize boycott activity and
advocacy by Palestinian, Israeli and foreign citizens alike. Introduced by 25
members of various affiliations, the bill is in retaliation to the
House-to-House Palestinian boycott campaign.
Citing the illegality of
settlements under international law, the Palestinian divestment initiative
encourages Palestinians to boycott goods produced in Israeli settlements—totaling about $500 million each year. If passed, the bill
would mandate that restitution due to the Palestinian Authority from Israel
would instead be sent to settlements to compensate for economic damages
incurred by the boycott.
The bill forbids Israeli citizens from encouraging a boycott in any way.
Those who violate the law will be forced to pay compensation. Persons outside
of Israel who aid in boycott efforts would be banned from the country for at
least 10 years. Other economic sanctions would be taken against groups
operating outside of the country.
