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Saturday
Dec122009

Buying Power: Did UK Government Just Aid A Boycott of Israeli Products?

boycottThe British government has issued an official recommendation urging UK businesses to pay attention to whether any product from the West Bank is produced by Israeli settlers or Palestinians. Labeling a product from a settlement as "manufactured in Israel" will be considered misleading of the consumer.

Israel's Foreign Ministry official Yossi Levy criticized the move on Thursday: "This is a capitulation of the British government to the Palestinian and pro-Palestinian organizations. This only harms the Middle East peace process, and will hinder Israel's and the world's efforts to renew the diplomatic process at such a critical stage, and that is doubly disappointing." In response, the British embassy in Israel issued a statement: "This is a recommendation, not a binding order. The British government is opposed to any kind of boycott of Israel."

Hmm.... Despite the British Government's denial, the effect is both a message to British businesses --- would the label "manufactured in Israel" on a West Bank product be considered a criminal offense? --- and an aid to any consumer who boycotts Israeli products or those produced by Israeli settlers.

Is this just good business practice, attracting Muslim consumers who want the assurance of Palestinian production? Or is this more than an economic "clarification", putting political pressure on Israel? part of scheduled pressure on Israeli decision-makers?

Reader Comments (2)

It seems common sense to me. I'd rather not have my money go to support illegal settlements.
I'll support Israel and the Palestinians but I cannot support something that jeopardizes any hope of peace.

December 12, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJane

if this is accurate, then its fantastic. The regime in Israel must disapear. there is no greater danger towards peace than israel, the apartheid zionist state and islamism. These two are the great evils of today.

boycott islamic republic of iran and israel

December 12, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterarman

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