US Congressman Warns UK Firms: Boycotting Israel Means No Business in Florida

U.S. Congressman Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, has issued a stern warning to British companies, stating that complying with potential sanctions against Israel could lead to them being barred from doing business with the state of Florida. The warning comes in response to reports that the British government is considering imposing sanctions on goods and services originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Fine, who is Jewish, explained on social media platform X that a law he previously passed as a state legislator would prohibit any British company forced to comply with such sanctions from engaging with Florida's government or local authorities. Furthermore, any British company participating in such a boycott would be prevented from conducting business in Florida if they require any official interaction with the state government for their operations, such as permits or tax collection.

He emphasized the significant economic implications, noting that Florida is one of Britain's largest trading partners. Fine stated, "Their flagship project in supporting Muslim terror could cost them billions of dollars." He also recalled a previous instance where this exact legislation was effective, citing Airbnb's 2019 attempt to boycott parts of Israel, which was ultimately reversed due to the threat of this law, which Fine claimed would have bankrupted the company.

Fine concluded by asserting, "Florida has made it crystal clear: any company, or nation, that boycotts Israel is condemned and boycotted by Florida." His remarks follow reports that the UK is expected to announce a sharp policy shift regarding Israel, including a ban on certain trade with West Bank settlements.

In response to the potential British sanctions, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for immediate action, including the expulsion of the British ambassador, labeling the British government as antisemitic and accusing it of attacking Jews and Israel to escape its own economic and social decline. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also weighed in, drawing a parallel by calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which he described as British-occupied territory, and to impose sanctions on the UK.