Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Stands behind new law
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg
After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
admitted Wednesday he stands behind the newly approved Boycott Law, the Palestinian Authority now threatens to boycott any Israeli
company that will heed the law.
According to Abu Libdah, "The decision made by the Israeli government to approve this law proves Israel is setting the ground for the option of one, bi-national state."
The Palestinian Authority's Economic Minister Dr. Hassan Abu Libdeh said Wednesday that "Palestinians plan to boycott Israeli companies that will obey the Boycott Law."
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Legislation
Moran Azulay
PM issues statement saying he opposes justice veto bill after taking criticism from opposition chairwoman. Earlier, during heated Knesset debate Netanyahu stressed he had approved Boycott Law prior to vote
He called upon private companies who plan to boycott settlement products to not adhere to "this illegitimate" law.
According to the Maan news agency, Abu Libdah said during a press conference on Wednesday that "Israel is attempting to force a certain reality, to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. It's part of the mechanism of the occupation."
The minister stressed that the PA will "put a great deal of effort to awaken the public opinion of the international community when it comes to the active steps taken by Israel to annex the West Bank."
"The PA will continue to boycott settlement products and work to remove the settlements from the lives and homes of the Palestinian people," he added.
Palestinians burning settlement products (Archive Photo: AFP)
Meanwhile, the spokesman for European Union foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton said she is concerned about the effect of the Boycott Law on the freedom of speech of Israeli citizens and non-violent political organizations.
In Washington however officials are still avoiding making a clear statement on the issue.
The US State Department said it would not comment on Israel's Boycott Law on the grounds it was an internal affair. Deputy State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters that Israel was a vibrant democracy with strong institutions allowing its citizens to express concerns over any bill.
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