US Lawmakers Vow Sanctions Against Nations Boycotting West Bank
A delegation of 20 US senators and representatives visited the West Bank on Tuesday, pledging to enact legislation imposing sanctions on countries that boycott Israeli settlements. The lawmakers, visiting the region as guests of Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan, stated their intention to counter potential sanctions threatened by Ireland and Spain against Israelis in the West Bank.
The proposed legislation would target companies and entities that boycott residents of Judea and Samaria due to their place of residence. These boycotting entities would face retaliatory measures and sanctions within the US states that adopt such laws. The initiative is spearheaded by Jason Rapert, president of the National Association of Former State Legislators (NACL), an organization that maintains contact with Dagan.
During the visit to a farm in the region, the US officials were briefed on the settlement enterprise and the local reality. Rapert described the anti-boycott effort as a continuation of NACL's work, stating, "Just as we are winning the first campaign, of recognition of Judea and Samaria, we are going to win the second campaign, in stopping the economic war against Israel, and especially against Judea and Samaria."
Several lawmakers expressed their commitment to advancing the legislation. Senator Kathy Chism from Mississippi vowed to bring the draft legislation back to her state, emphasizing her "100 percent" support for Israel. Representative Mark Gidley from Alabama highlighted that Alabama already has legislation against those imposing sanctions on Israel and encouraged other states and the national level to follow suit, calling Israel a vital ally.
Representative Hope Duke from Arkansas also voiced support, urging states to act against companies refusing to do business with Israel. This move by the US delegation aligns with NACL's broader efforts to promote recognition of Judea and Samaria among US lawmakers. Similar legislative actions have already been passed or are in advanced stages in states like Tennessee, Arizona, West Virginia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia, aiming to translate support for Israel into concrete policy.
