Ketzaleh
KetzalehIsrael news photo: Flash 90

A bill to dismantle Israeli firms that boycott Jews was submitted in the Knesset Wednesday by National Union chairman and Knesset Member Yaakov (Ketzaleh) Katz.

“After 2,000 years of pursuit, how can we allow” boycotts in Israel," he asked. The bill was con-sponsored by several coalition government legislators, but Justice Minister Yaakov Ne'eman said that the measure would not pass the courts.

MK Katz’s proposed law would break up Israel companies that boycott any area in Israel, but his specific focus was on Judea and Samaria, where the bill also would prohibit a common practice of companies refusing to deliver merchandise or provide services.

“The People of Israel suffered boycotts all of its life,” MK Katz said in the Knesset. "Even the Opposition leader says that Judea and Samaria are part of the Land of Israel.

“It is inconceivable that after 2,000 years, we have returned to the age of boycotts and a condition that company imposes not to build in Jerusalem.”

Justice Ne’eman replies, "Despite the Zionist remarks by MK Katz, I am sorry to say that the government must oppose them because the law allows for dismantling companies only if they are set up for illegal purposes.” He added that the proposed law also would unfairly damage innocent third parties, such as workers.

Undaunted, MK Katz replied that the problem could be overcome simply by updating the law to deal with the new phenomena.

The Knesset voted 45-13 in favor of bringing the bill up for discussion.