The US Senate passed legislation Wednesday which will disincentivise European governments and businesses to participate in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. The legislation, tacked on to a larger bill giving President Barack Obama the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) he requested from Congress in order to negotiate a large trade deal with the European Union. The purpose of the bill, according to a congressional aide familiar with it, is “to discourage potential trade partners from participating in or promoting politically motivated acts of BDS against Israel, and to seek the elimination of boycotts and barriers to trade where they exist.” The legislation BDS as “actions by states, nonmember states of the United Nations, international organizations or affiliated agencies of international organizations that are politically motivated and are intended to penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories.” Read More
