121 Restrictive Measures Against Israel Documented in 62 Countries

A new database from the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) has revealed 121 restrictive measures enacted against Israel by 62 countries, with 93 of these still in effect. Spain leads in the number of measures, and the financial sector is particularly targeted. The institute's CEO, Dr. Shuki Friedman, warns that these sanctions could expand to harm Israel's core economic and security systems.

The JPPI database provides a comprehensive overview of international pressure on Israel. Friedman cautions against viewing each sanction as an isolated incident, emphasizing that their cumulative effect could extend far beyond the initial targets. "Anyone who thinks sanctions against ministers, individuals in Judea and Samaria, or products from the region will stop at the Green Line is mistaken," he stated. "Sanctions have a ripple effect. When they accumulate, they can impact banks, companies, investors, and trade partners who are not connected at all to the person or entity targeted."

The database categorizes 93 measures as currently active, 19 as historical, and nine as proposed or planned. While Spain has the highest number of measures (nine), followed by Turkey (seven), the UK (six), and Belgium (five), the JPPI stresses that the number of measures does not necessarily reflect the severity of the impact. Measures can span across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

A significant finding is the prominence of financial sector measures, accounting for 40 of the 121 total. This is considerably higher than the 24 measures each in trade and security, and 14 in the diplomatic sphere. Friedman highlights that financial sanctions can affect entities not directly targeted, as banks, insurers, and investors may reassess risks associated with their dealings with Israel.

Trade and security also show a considerable number of measures, with 24 in each category. The JPPI points out the interconnectedness of these sectors for Israel, whose economy relies heavily on international trade for raw materials, components, and technology, while much of its production is exported. Restrictions on trade, especially for dual-use components or essential technologies, could disrupt supply chains and impact Israel's ability to produce, export, and maintain complex systems.

The JPPI advocates for a proactive national strategy to address these escalating sanctions. Instead of reacting to each measure individually, Friedman proposes establishing a national mechanism to continuously assess potential impacts on the financial system, trade relations, investments, supply chains, and the defense industry. This body would work alongside diplomatic and legal efforts to prepare for and mitigate risks before they materialize into significant harm, viewing the sanctions as a strategic threat requiring a comprehensive national response.