Israelis inciting anti-Israel boycotts could soon be forced to pay dearly
Knesset approves in initial reading bill that would allow targets of boycotts to sue boycotters for large sums.
By Jonathan Lis Tags: Knesset anti-Israel Israel boycottThe Knesset approved on Wednesday an initial reading of a bill calling for heavy fines to be imposed on Israeli citizens who initiate or incite boycotts against Israel. If approved into law, the fines would apply to anyone boycotting Israeli individuals, companies, factories, and organizations.
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Likud MK Zeev Elkin, one of the sponsors of the new legislative initiatives. |
| Photo by: Tomer Appelbaum |
"In the U.S. there is are laws aimed at preventing Americans from boycotting U.S. allies, including Israel. It appears that in light of the reality in Israel, we need a similar law that applies to Israeli citizens," said the bill's sponsors - coalition chairman Zeev Elkin (Likud), MK Arieh Eldad (National Union) and MK Dalia Itzik (Kadima).
Under the new law, any group could sue damages of up to NIS 30,000 from anyone who launched a boycott against them, or incited a boycott, without having to prove that damage was indeed caused. An additional sum could then be demanded once damages were proven.
The bill comes in response to a wide range of boycotts – financial, academic, and others – that have recently been encountered in Israel. Elkin said Tuesday that "we mustn't accept boycotts against Israel, whether academic or economic. The state must protect itself from the increasing processes of delegitimization, and provide compensation to those harmed by it."
"The wall-to-wall support of this bill proves that members of Knesset recognize the need to maintain a balance between democratic rights and the premeditated targeting of Israeli bodies," Elkin went on to say.
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.... at the same time, anything proposed in the Knesset by its unelected members must be taken with a grain of salt; at the very least, since no one up there is directly elected by the people. Not a one ! So, an anti-boycott law sounds good considering who, generally, organizes boycotts. But there are lots of pitfalls, and I don't trust the lawmakers to handle intellectual problems ..... Sorry....
Seriously, don't people have a problem with the anti-democratic actions of the majority in the Israeli parliament?
Israel a democracy? Not a chance. Freedom of speech? Not a chance. Israel on a roll towards a fascist police state - oh yes. You don't need a ph.d. in politics to recognize that.
finally israel is defending herself..... make it as hard as possible for enemies of israel to harm her....
Should not one be able to distinguish between products from the West Bank and products from Israel? I go out of my way to buy Israeli products and similarly, I avoid products from the West Bank. If I were Israeli and advised others to do the same, would that put me in violation of the law?
Politics and freedom of speech aside, are you telling me that if there is a company that produces baby food that is linked to killing several infants (like in China) we can't just simply boycott them!!!!! WOW
So you are telling me yhat in a democracy a citizen can be told whose products to buy. Hmmmmmm, Democracy---I think not.
You can drag a horse to water but you can't make him drink - One step closer to fascism.
This law was "created" to protect Israel's interest not ours and as a consequence of it we got nothing but problems. US allies, except for Israel didn't have boycott problems. http://www.bis.doc.gov/complianceandenforcement/antiboycottcompliance.htm#boycottlaws --------------------------- In the U.S. there is a law forbidding Americans from participating in boycotts on U.S. allies, including Israel.
This shows that the boycotts must be working and the government and businesses are feeling the pitch.
Stop the Boycott of Iran Stop the Boycott of Hamas Stop the Boycott of Gaza Stop the Boycott of Turkey................... what israel really means is we can do anything we want, anything you do is wrong!!!
after this, I would like to see some UK jews sue hamas, hezbollah, syrian, iranian leaders with the very same law that UK muslims now use against the IDF or israeli politicians and civilians. It's time to take the gloves off. I also think some UK officials can be sued for inciting violence, support of terrorism, etc...let's get it on!
Prominent Congressmen boycotted France over the illegal invasion of Iraq, and France is an ally. I think this article is mostly BS, except for the clue that the K is panicking over the success of the BDS movement worldwide. Keep it up!
I suppose this new law may seem easlier to the Knesset than changing its behavior. I don't believe Americans are getting arested here for boycotts. AMD makes a great processor.
The Arabs boycott of Israel only made the country stronger. What is does, it alows Isreal's creativity to counter all the negative aspects of the boycotts and more. As a result of it, Israel had developed a vibrant inovative economy, therefor I say bring it on!
THis counter creativity comes from unlimited welfare funds provided at the expenses of American tax payers. More boycotts to come!
The Arabs boycott of Israel only made the country stronger. What is does, it alows Isreal's creativity to counter all the negative aspects of the boycotts and more. As a result of it, Israel had developed a vibrant inovative economy, therefor I say bring it on!
McCarthyism is alive and well in Israel.
Dont forget who McCarthy was - a product of American "democracy". When threat is perceived there are no democratic countries. There are only "hoemland securities" and "War measures acts" depending which "democracy" it is. Democracy as defined by Mr. Lincoln and friends lends itself to vulnerability and harm from all those that would want to harm their countries safety and intrest. Stop with the platitudes of what a democracy is in theory. Dont live in la-la land.
You can't sue someone for urging others not to buy your product. Don't shop at Safeway! Don't shop at Safeway! Don't shop at Safeway! Somehow, I suspect I haven't exposed myself to too much risk of litigation.
I suppose this new law may seem easlier to the Knesset than changing its behavior. I don't believe Americans are getting arested here for boycotts. AMD makes a great processor.
i know israel doesn't have a constitution, but surely there must be advocates of free speech there? or any laws that protect free speech? no? furthermore, how can you fine someone without proof? this is extremely worrying. obama keeps going on about shared values with these people but i see none.
The US laws bear almost no resemblance to what's been proposed here. Check out the US Gov't Commerce Department site www.bis.doc.gov and search for "boycott compliance".
The beginning of the end for the only democracy in the ME? How can the US support such a country?
No country including your country or my own acts democratically when it is in peril or assumed peril. Any one who thiks so is naive. In fact all of you critics are living in rose coloured glassess.
(a real democracy) I will be out calling for boycott. Thank goodness Israel has no control over me! Israel is NOT a democracy!!!
Here in the U.S. A., we have a democratic republic--not a democracy--thank God!
Please know what your talking about before commenting. We elect people to represent us. We have a thing called the electoral college when voting for our President. You can win the popular vote and yet loose the Presidency. Israel is Parlimentarian Democracy like England. It`s easy to spout anti Israel nonsense without knowing what your talking about. There are no Arab democracies and never have been. The only Arabs who have democracy in the middle east are the Israeli Arabs. Why are you not complaining about the lack of Arab democracies? Could it be cowardice of Arabs or just a hatred of Jews having there own democractic nation?
Will this bill open up for prosecusion of newspapers like Haaretz if they bring a talkback fx saying; "Boycot Israel"? Or will the military censorship nip it in the bud?
How ironic that progressive Israelis may have to seek political asylum from the "only democracy in the middle east" or the "last refuge for Jews."
If Israel had a real opposition to government ,if really would exist a hope for change from inside then no one would appeal to boycott Israel from outside organization.But Israel is a brainwashed society which play the fashionable system of democracy with a not real opposition it is a full right wing parties with different names..Zeev Sternhall described it exactly in a recent article in Haaretz
As a rule I am against boycotts, BDS and the like, whether of Iran, Israel, Turkey or any other Nation is of no matter. I think that if collective guilt cannot be shown, then collective punishment is not justifiable; it never seems to hurt the people who have earned the anger of the boycotters but only the innocent around them; collateral damage I believe it is called. On the other hand, the proposed Palestinian BDS of Jewish West Bank industry and produce is clearly aimed at the settlers whose theft of Palestinian land has earned them this apparently absolutely appropriate response. As for our Knesset legislating against individuals who propose actions against our homeland because they hold our government responsible for its stupidity and power mad application of force many times what is necessary, it is no more than any of us should expect from the worst government, minus the judiciary, since Saul tried to have David murdered. The application of BDS is largely a ethical difference of opinion regarding punishing the innocent with the guilty; I do not agree with its application, but I can understand the frustration of Israelis, (and others), when faced with the moral blindness of most Knesset Members in regard to human rights of the Palestinian peoples. The thought of our positions punishing anybody for bringing our nation into disrepute is farcical to the point of tears.
It is peacefully telling someone we don't want to have any business with him until he changes his way.
If it is good for the USA(As an American) I believe passing this law is justified.No more to say,fruitless exercise to do otherwise. Israel cannot afford to become a scapgoat to the ones who want to delegitimize it.
How sad is it to say - this is one of the first reasoned responses I've seen from a native Israeli on Haaretz for a while. This is, in the very crudest sense, an attack on the freedom of the Israeli people (Jews, as Palestinians are not treated as though they are Israeli people). There seems to be a lingering insanity in the knesset; too many examples of its racist policy are showing themselves in the world press, and they are definitely not going un-noticed by the rest of the world, the american intelligentsia was once the broad base of foreign support for Zionism - look at that now...
"In the U.S. there is a law forbidding Americans from participating in boycotts on U.S. allies, including Israel" Never heard of this, I suspect it's 100% bull, lol :p
...but they can't punish you for it. one of those "useless laws" that just tries to deter people.
Israel is going down the road of fascism so fast it is mind boggling. How long before those condemning ---no disagreeing with Israel,s policies will be sent to "Summer Camps".
For Israel to protect itself from delegitimization like the South Africa’s Ex Apartheid, it has to behave & act legimatley. The Knesset passing draconian laws, blaming the world for its 43 of occupation & now punishing its citizens for their opinions is only serving the far right.
What's good for the goose,is good for the gander. This law should have been applied long ago.
For Israel to protect itself from delegitimization like the South Africa’s Ex Apartheid, it has to behave & act legimatley. The Knesset passing draconian laws, blaming the world for its 43 of occupation & now punishing its citizens for their opinions is only serving the far right.
if the members of the knesset are proposing a banning order preventing people in israel using boycotts as a legitimate means of peaceful protest. Wonder if the intention is to apply this to the occupied territories where the palestinians have successfully organised a boycott of settler produce? Either way, looks like israel has reached the end of the road. Only a matter of time now before it implodes.
We'll see mr.lightweight.
Is it the fact that Israel has one of the most resound economies that grew during the world wide recession from 2007-2010. Is it that Israel has joined the OECD after only 63 yrs in existence? While Europe struggles during the current Euro crisis Israel's GDP continues to grow. It's bonds upgraded by major rating agencies…again. But you're right, Israel is trembling because of a couple mindless boycotts from European socialists. Good Analysis
You may be right....but if the going is so good, why make the bill? Is it only for shutting people up then?
Have read on several sites that 17 factories in the settlements have gone out of business since the boycott by the PA, and that the owners are demanding compensation by the Israeli govt.
be without the $3bn+ annual US "aid"? If it is that great why don't you just return it...
"Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press" - US Constitution Israel has no constitution and crazy rightwingers can come up with all sorts of ideas which might endanger Israeli democracy and transform it into a McCarthyist state, or worse. This proposed law is directed against people who advocate, not only participate in, a boycott of Israeli institution. In the US, the law cannot stop the "advocacy", only the actual practice of boycott, because of Constitutional protection of free speech. But go and explain this fine difference to the right wing. Their law of course is actually aimed at speech. Israelis don't boycott Israel, they sometimes speak against policies of Israel and call for actions that would cause them to be changed, including boycott. It is fundamental that such speech be allowed to be heard. What is advocated may even be correct. Do Israelis want to hear about sanctions only when these finally take place?
If an Israeli citizen tries to start a boycott of any Israeli business or Institution, or join any "pal" protests he's commiting traison...Not only he should pay in moneys as he or she should also be deported,preferably to hell
We are in hell, we live here
Paying a fine/restution but imprisonment the next step also.
If you guess Israel is hell,why don't you move to saudi arabiqa or iran and enjoy their paradise...Try to boycott or protest anything in one of these moslem heavens...
Israel, and her policies, or get fined.....wonderful. But still, I choose which goods and services to buy, and they ain´t Israeli! Lovely country with SO nice people...(do I get paid for saying that?)
I boycott all Israeli products. Let the FBI Prosecute me.....
getting sueing folks
... there are many leftist Israelis that are working vigorously to undermine the security and legitimacy of the state. Even here in Berkeley, the recently rejected divestment bill targeting Israel was sponsored and authored... BY AN ISRAELI (which he kept secret from his parents in Israel)
or at least one.
You do the crime,you pay the fine simple!
And what is the pay for destroying Israel's democracy / legitimacy along with your far right friends ? What pay back is for 43 years of occupation ?!
...if the lawyers will take these cases on a "contingency fee" basis (i.e. a percentage of what the plaintiff receives)--or will require an up-front retainer. (Either way, I would wager than the nation's auto dealerships are being besieged by members of the legal profession--even as we speak.
Besides since the many who tries it isnothing but a traitor why shouldn't it apply? The court will decide anyway.it will not happen in a vacuum.Comprendes?
For the damage done to their students, colleagues and institutions. fREEDOM OF SPEECH -yes; Anarchy-NO!
The law of unintended consequences applies to this situation. Improperly used by Israeli arabs or subversive elements of the Israeli government, this law would be the key to bankrupting the Israeli economy. It is like the islamic invasion of the european countries who have anti-hate laws that the muslims take advantage of in order to promote their heathen agenda. A fair compromise in this law would be to allow lawsuits only if a preliminary hearing confirmed financial loss or damage due to vandalism. Stay away from 'Hate-laws'--they tend to induce consequences that cannot be regulated.
I continue to call for the boycot of all products originating from the occupied West Bank, profiting settlers.
The (all-white) Alabama state legislature tried to outlaw boycotts by by blacks protesting segregation in the American South of the 1950s. Did that work?
Wrong wrong wrong. You cannot join the Arab league in Boycotting Israel. You can however boycott Israel on your own. Your interpretation of American law is wrong. Im sure you would love that though wouldnt you?
If a professor urges a boycott of his Uni, the Uni should stop paying him salary. They should not be getting paid for trying to hurt their own employers.
Go on, reminds to the Weimar laws against wearing uniforms in 1932.
Peacefully protest government actions.
Especially if you are my employee.
What's so peaceful about them ? A bunch of no-goods.
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u say something... fined and arrested... fine peaceful protest= fined and arrested ... boycotts (which liberated South Africa) and have been known for years as good way to express civil disagreement = fined and arrested... pretty much Israel wants everyone to like her; say nothing wrong about her; praise her; pet her democracy OTHERWISE sued... perfect..
I'm sure your country doesn't allow it's citizens to commit treason by providing support to it's enemy yet you expect Israel to do it. You insult S. Africans by comparing it to Israel. Arabs in Israel are given full rights but not the right to commit treason, just like Jews. And the Palestinians rule themselves for better or usually for worse.
Exactly!!
Palestinians in the occupied territories do not have democratic rights in the Israel which rules them