Senate Democrats pave the way for boycott of Israeli goods.

Sen. Ted Cruz: ‘Absolutely appalling but unfortunately predictable’

Senate ​Democrats Block Measure to Stop Discrimination Against Israeli‌ Products

The Democratic members of‌ the Senate Commerce Committee ‌rejected a ⁢measure from Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) that would have⁤ blocked the Federal⁢ Trade Commission from penalizing products produced⁢ by Israelis living in contested territories, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, ⁤and ‍Golan Heights.

Cruz offered the measure as a stop-gap ⁢amendment ​on legislation granting the FTC broad new powers to‍ issue fines⁣ and other penalties to any online vendor that does not accurately disclose where its products are made. Supporters of the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, including those in the Biden administration, have long worked to ‌strip the “Made in Israel” label from products manufactured‌ in so-called settlements, which ‌they ⁣argue are not technically part of ⁤Israel.

Cruz’s measure, first reported by the Washington Free Beacon on Wednesday, said the FTC “may not discriminate against any community or entity⁢ in Israeli territory,” including Jewish communities in contested areas.

“If you needed any more proof that the Democrat Party is controlled by⁤ the anti-Semitic ‘Squad,’ today’s vote should end any debate,” Cruz told the Free Beacon following the vote. “All the ⁢Democrats on the Commerce Committee voted to give the⁢ Biden administration⁢ a new tool to boycott,⁣ divest, and sanction Israel.”

Cruz described the outcome as “absolutely‍ appalling but unfortunately⁣ predictable.”

Efforts to Target⁢ Israel and Support BDS ‌Movement

Congressional​ sources working ⁤on the ⁤matter said the amendment was specifically offered to stop the Biden administration from using its new powers to target Israel and bolster ⁢the BDS movement. ⁤The State Department last month barred the federal government from collaborating on scientific research projects with Jewish ⁣Israelis living in contested areas, drawing ⁣accusations the administration is enabling the BDS movement.

The Obama administration pursued similar policies, including a ⁢ contested 2016 order ​directing the American “trade community” to stop labeling goods‌ produced in the West Bank as “made in Israel.” European countries have‌ enacted similar measures at the​ behest of the global BDS movement.