The Knesset voted 47-38 in favour after a stormy debate, during which
opposition members accusing the government of passing an anti-democratic
law.
Under the terms of the bill it will be a civil offence to back an anti-Israel
boycott, be it consumer, academic or cultural; and initiators of a boycott
will be subject to litigation. The law also prevents the government doing
business with any company that initiates or complies with boycotts.
However, the legality of the boycott law is likely to be challenged as early
as Tuesday when opponents will present petitions to Israel's
Supreme Court. Ahead of the parliamentary vote, Eyal Yinon, the Knesset's
legal adviser, ruled that the bill was "borderline illegal."
Supporters said the bill was meant to counter attempts to delegitimize Israel.
"The state of Israel has for years been dealing with boycotts from Arab
nations, but now we are talking about a home-grown boycott," said
Knesset member Ze'ev Elkin from the ruling Likud party, referring to efforts
by the Israeli left to boycott products manufactured on West Bank
settlements.
Last year some Israeli artists and academics also called on colleagues to ban
cultural institutions located in West Bank settlements.
Ilan Gilon, a Knesset member for the left-wing opposition Meretz party, warned
that the bill would further delegitimise Israel. "We are dealing with
legislation that is an embarrassment to Israeli democracy and makes people
around the world wonder if there is actually a democracy here," he
said.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, was absent from the Knesset vote, even
though he supported the legislation. He was concerned that the law might
present Israel in a negative light as the Quartet of Middle East peace
mediators gathered in Washington for crucial talks designed to get
Israeli-Palestinian talks back on track.
Yasser Abed Rabbo, PLO Executive Committee Secretary-General, warned that the
new law will undermine efforts to renew the peace process. "One might
as well tear apart the Quartet's announcement if the bill is passed,"
he said.
Opponents of the boycott bill warned that the measure was only the latest in a
string of legislation by the right-wing government to stifle democratic
dissent.
Today the parliament debates another controversial issue when right-wingers
will demand disciplinary action be taken against Hanin Zoabi, an Arab
lawmaker who participated in last year's Gaza-bound flotilla.
