According to Globes, Israeli exports to Arab states rose by 78% in the first quarter to $38 million. There were also $3 million in indirect exports to Arab states via third parties by joint projects of Israeli and Arab companies. Most of the increase was in exports to Jordan and Egypt. Imports from Arab states rose by 37% in the first quarter to $21 million.



Four prominent Shiite clerics from Iran and Iraq, including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, have issued fatwas (Islamic legal rulings) urging Muslims to reject trade with Israel, according to the Mehr Iranian News Agency.



Citing Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani's decree from the Iranian city of Qom, the Iranian daily Jaam-e Jam said: "Engaging in any trade with those centers which have even the slightest link to the Zionist regime, is forbidden. Muslims in Islamic states must avoid trading with them and not allow the presence of the companies which back them

on their territory."



Jaam-e Jam quoted Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani saying, "any trade or measure which strengthens the Zionist regime is forbidden."



The paper quoted the decree issued by Ayatollah Sistani, as saying that "trade of goods with non-Muslim countries which are waging a war against the Muslims, is not permissible."



According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, "trade and use of goods produced by America and the occupying regime of Israel is problematic."