Anti- Democratic law passed in Knesset

The boycotting of Israeli goods is a world-wide phenomenon, seen as a strategy in response to settlement building in the West Bank. Recently, however, a new trend has developed with Israelis themselves boycotting their own goods in an act of defiance against the increased settlement building.

Yisrael Beiteinu, the right wing party led by Avidgor Lieberman has taken strong action against this trend. The “Boycott Law”, passed with a majority vote of 47-38, will effectively punish Israelis for seeking to boycott any organisation or part of the Jewish state, including settlements. Anyone breaching the law can be sued by an individual or institution claiming economic, cultural or academic damage.

This is very worrying development for the democratic nature of Israeli politics as it goes to the heart of freedom of speech in Israel.