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Massachusetts City Council Votes to Divest from Companies Operating in Israel and Palestine
The Somerville, Massachusetts City Council has voted to ban municipal business with companies involved in humanitarian violations in "Israel and Palestine." The 10-1 vote on Thursday night implements a resident-approved ballot measure from November 2025.
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What happened
- 01Somerville, MA City Council voted 10-1 to ban business with companies in "Israel and Palestine."
- 02The ordinance targets companies complicit in humanitarian violations, following a voter-approved divestment measure.
- 03Critics argue the ban is antisemitic and creates an unsafe environment for Jewish and Israeli residents.
- 04Supporters view the ordinance as a necessary action against human rights abuses by certain companies.
- 05The ban applies to municipal contracts and includes an exclusion for essential city services.
Opponents fear the ordinance is antisemitic and will alienate Jewish residents, while supporters see it as a necessary stand against human rights abuses. The ban applies to municipal contracts and excludes sole proprietors, with provisions for essential services.
The Times of Israel publishes in English. The key points are summarized above. Read The Times of Israel’s full report from the link below.
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