Israel Considers Expelling Foreign Representatives Over Settlement Boycotts

The International Support Center for the Gaza Strip in Kiryat Gat awaits a decision from the Israeli government regarding representatives from countries that have boycotted goods produced in Israeli settlements. This follows earlier expulsions of representatives from the Netherlands and Spain.

In late August, the Financial Times reported that Israel was considering removing British representatives, and potentially others from European countries, from the center. This potential move comes after the Netherlands enacted a law prohibiting trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, parts of Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, which Israel deemed an anti-Israel action. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar had previously ordered the Dutch delegation to leave Israel within a week following these actions.

The Financial Times also noted that removing British or other European representatives might require coordination with the U.S.-led Peace Council, which oversees the post-war arrangements for Gaza. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee commented on the British measures, calling them "discrimination against Israel and Jews" in an interview with BBC Radio 4. He stated that while the UK is sovereign, the U.S. also has its own policies.

Huckabee also warned of potential economic repercussions, referencing laws in several U.S. states that prevent companies boycotting Israel from receiving state contracts, procurement, or investments.