Attorney Raz Nazri
Photo: Alex Kolomisky
MK Zeev Elkin
Photo: Gil Yohanan
'Anti-boycott bill has fragile foundations'
Top aide to AG calls bill imposing sanctions on those who boycott Israeli companies, organizations legally 'border-line'
The Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee debated on Monday the "anti-boycott bill," ahead of its second and third reading.
The bill stipulates that severe sanctions will be imposed on any Israeli calling for or supporting a boycott against Israeli citizens, factories, companies, and organizations from within the state.
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The bill also includes the "Rawabi Clause", which would allow the Finance Ministry to prevent companies that agree to take part in anti-Israeli boycotts from participating in government bids.
Controversial Bill
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According to Nazri, the bill is border-line in terms of its legal applicability, adding that "every small alteration might weaken its already feeble framework."
In the past, professional elements at the governmental offices waned that the bill might cause heavy damages to the State of Israel. Left-wing members of Knesset spoke fervently against the proposal, claiming that it weakens Israel in its battle against its de-legitimization around the world.
MK Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) called it an "insane and delusional" bill, while Arab MKs said it was an anti-democratic law that undermines the freedom of expression and aimed at silencing criticism.
The bill, proposed by MK Zeev Elkin (Likud) and 24 other MKs, was softened to only target those responsible for the boycott, and not individuals supporting it. The amendment was issued after MK Yohanan Plesner (Kadima) filed an appeal against the original version.
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