U.S. Lawmakers Vow Counter-Sanctions Against Companies Boycotting Judea and Samaria
A delegation of 20 American state lawmakers visiting Shomron pledged to pursue legislation in their home states that would penalize companies and organizations that boycott residents of Yehuda and Shomron because of where they live. The initiative comes amid moves by several European countries targeting Israelis and businesses connected to the region.
The group, made up of state senators and representatives from around the United States, toured Shomron as guests of Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan. The visit came against the backdrop of threatened measures by Ireland and Spain against Israelis living in Yehuda and Shomron.
During the tour, lawmakers said they intend to bring proposals to their respective state legislatures aimed at responding to economic boycotts of the region.
Under the proposed approach, businesses and organizations that refuse to deal with residents or companies in Yehuda and Shomron solely because of their location could face sanctions or other countermeasures in states that adopt the legislation.
The lawmakers were hosted by Yisrael Rappaport at Nof Avi Farm, where they received a briefing on Jewish communities throughout Shomron and were given an overview of conditions in the region.
Leading the delegation was Jason Rapert, founder and president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, or NACL, which has developed close ties with Dagan and has promoted legislation relating to Yehuda and Shomron. The visiting lawmakers represented states including Alaska, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Montana, Minnesota, Alabama and Missouri.
Rapert described the anti-boycott initiative as the next phase of NACL’s efforts concerning Yehuda and Shomron.
“Just as we are winning the first battle, of recognizing Judea and Samaria, we are going to win the second battle – stopping the economic war against Israel, and especially against Judea and Samaria. We are with you, and together, with God’s help, we are going to win. We will win,” he said.
Rapert urged the elected officials participating in the trip to use their positions and public influence to push back against economic measures targeting Israel and residents of Yehuda and Shomron.
Mississippi State Senator Kathy Chism said she intends to bring the proposed legislation home and seek its passage in Mississippi.
“I plan to take the legislation back to Mississippi and try to pass something that will help Israel, because they should not be putting these sanctions on them. I support Israel 100%,” she said.
Alabama State Representative Mark Gidley pointed to measures already enacted in his state against those participating in sanctions or boycotts targeting Israel and called for similar action elsewhere.
“I want to encourage every state to do the same thing. I even encourage us to do it at the national level, because Israel is a partner. Israel is our ally in the Middle East,” he said.
Arkansas State Representative Hope Duke similarly called for states to take action against companies that refuse to conduct business with Israel.
“When you have other countries that are sanctioning Israel, we need to do our part. We’ve done things in Arkansas, and we need to continue to do things, and hopefully other states will follow suit in sanctioning companies that refuse to do business with Israel, because Israel is our greatest partner in the Middle East,” she said.
The new push builds on a broader NACL campaign seeking official recognition of Yehuda and Shomron by state governments across the United States. Tennessee has already enacted legislation requiring state documents to use the name “Judea and Samaria” rather than the “West Bank,” while Arizona has approved a resolution addressing the terminology.
Similar legislative efforts have been moving forward in West Virginia and Florida, while measures have also been formally introduced in Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma and Georgia. NACL and allied groups have been working with state lawmakers to turn their positions on Yehuda and Shomron into legislation and government policy.
Dagan thanked the American lawmakers for their efforts and told them their actions were sending a broader message beyond the region itself.
“What you are doing together is like a shofar – a powerful voice for the world. What is happening here in Judea and Samaria is part of history and the Bible, and it is relevant to the entire world. Day after day, you are voting on the right side of history, and I am certain that, with God’s help, we will win,” he said.
{Matzav.com}