Roskam introduces bill opposing actions that economically harm Israel

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) took the lead on introducing a bipartisan bill that would combat the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement that aims to undermine international support for Israel.

Roskam, co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, said the BDS movement is nothing more than the latest attempt by Israel’s enemies “to destroy the Jewish State.”

“After their repeated military conquests ended in failure, they have now turned to economic means in the hopes of achieving the same outcome,” Roskam said. “Thankfully, the United States Congress — and the American people — will not stand for it. We will oppose all forms of economic warfare against Israel and Israelis.”

Last year, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) called for a creation of a database of companies that operate or have business relationships in East Jerusalem and other areas beyond Israel’s 1949 Armistice Lines. Last week, UNHRC began considering a second resolution that would withhold trade and assistance for the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and other “territories occupied since 1967.”

Roskam’s Israel Anti-Boycott Act formally voices congressional opposition to the UNHRC resolutions and would amend the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit boycotts or requests for boycotts against Israel from international governmental organizations.

In the House, Roskam introduced the bill with U.S. Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and Brad Sherman (D-CA).

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said the measure sends a “clear message that politically motivated boycotts of Israel are unacceptable to the United States.”

“I’m pleased to introduce this bill that says the United States stands against illegitimate attempts to isolate our ally Israel or impose policy solutions to issues that can only be resolved through direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Portman said.