Dozens of farmers gathered Thursday morning, October 24, 2019, at the Shar Ephraim Crossing to call on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to become personally involved in the growing Palestinian boycott of Israeli produce in recent weeks. This was their second protest in recent weeks, as two weeks ago, a convoy of vehicles and trucks headed to Jerusalem to call on the Prime Minister to become involved towards ending the crisis.

During the past 25 years, crossing points were established to transport good from both sides. During the last month, the PA (Palestinian Authority) decided to unilaterally declare a boycott of Israeli goods, to close the crossings and not permit Israeli produce to enter PA areas. The farmers explain this impacts the income of some 500 families and about 1000 farm workers who lost their jobs and are now facing a deepening financial crisis. What is absurd in the eyes of farmers is that instead of Israel responding, Israel continues to permit importing PA produce as well as providing veterinary services to the PA, including vaccinations and other advanced services.

Udi Tamir, a third generation farmer is quoting telling Kippa News, “For a month and a half I have been stuck. Fifty percent of my calves would have been sent to the PA, but they closed the crossings and I must continue feeding and raising from them while I need money to pay bills. Things are really tough, and, in the meantime, there are no answers from the state. I feel helpless. The Palestinians manipulate the situation and my leaders do not even respond to me or talk to me. The Prime Minister, who is responsible for dealing with a political crisis and breaching the Paris Agreement does not speak with us at all. The Minister of Agriculture is trying to assist us but lacks the authority.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)