The Knesset Committee on Monday, 6 Shevat, voted to prohibit the use of BDS funding to permit sending MKs abroad. This refers to accepting funds from any of the companies and/or organizations boycotting Israel, as members of the left-wing often do.

Recently, the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, headed by Minister Gilad Erdan, formulated a “black list” of 20 organizations boycotting Israel whose activists will not be able to enter Israel. The list of organizations includes BDS organizations from across Europe, organizations from the US and other organizations from Chile and South Africa.

Last week it was reported that the entry ban had achieved its purpose: A review of the organizations’ web pages revealed many complaints about the harm caused to them by the ban and the difficulty in continuing their ongoing activities. Now the boycott organizations will be added to the struggle to prohibit MKs who will be able to finance travel abroad by thee organizations.

Attorney Nati Rom, founder of Lev Olam, who fought the global boycott and monitors the activities of the BDS organizations, welcomed the decision. “We welcome the decision. This is another important step in the war against the boycott. The BDS and boycott movements are the new anti-Semitism. It is unthinkable that members of the Israeli Knesset will enjoy their resources and cooperate with this injustice. The decision is just and welcome. ”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)