Florida Warns UK Firms: Boycotts of Israel Will Cost Billions

U.S. Republican Congressman Randy Fine has issued a stern warning to the United Kingdom: any British companies mandated to boycott Israeli regions could face exclusion from business with Florida's government. This potential ban would encompass business dealings, permit acquisition, and tax collection within the state. Fine's warning comes ahead of an anticipated British policy shift that will reportedly prohibit trade in certain goods and services originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Florida's leverage stems from a law championed by Fine during his tenure in the state legislature. This legislation empowers Florida to block companies participating in boycotts against Israel from conducting business with state and local authorities. Fine stated that this law previously prompted Airbnb to reverse its policy of delisting properties in specific Israeli areas in 2019. He emphasized Florida's stance: "Any company or country that boycotts Israel will be boycotted by Florida."

Fine further asserted that the UK's potential move, which he characterized as "support for Muslim terrorism," could cost them billions of dollars, given Florida's significant trade relationship with Britain. He indicated that companies engaging in such boycotts might be barred from operating in Florida if their activities require interaction with state or local government bodies.

The impending British policy change, described by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband as a "comprehensive reset" of relations, is expected to include measures to curb settlement expansion and promote a two-state solution. In response to reports of this shift, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the expulsion of the British ambassador to Israel, denouncing the potential policy as anti-Semitic and an attack on Israel.