State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts

by Irn Bru Wed Jul 01, 2015 11:55 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — One day after President Barack Obama signed hard-fought trade legislation, his administration took issue with language meant to discourage boycotts of Israel.

The "fast track" trade bill takes aim at international efforts to punish Israel economically for its treatment of Palestinians.

A bipartisan amendment — which drew comparatively little attention in Congress' long, multi-faceted trade debate — instructs U.S. negotiators to resist other countries' actions that support the "boycott, divestment and sanctions" movement against Israel because of its policies in "Israeli-controlled territories."

Several pro-Israel groups and lawmakers backed the amendment.

But the State Department said Tuesday that "by conflating Israel and 'Israeli-controlled territories,'" the amendment "runs counter to longstanding U.S. policy" toward the disputed territories claimed by Palestinians.

The statement, by spokesman John Kirby, said U.S. policy has "strongly opposed boycotts, divestment campaigns, and sanctions targeting the State of Israel, and will continue to do so." But Kirby said Democratic and Republican presidents have consistently opposed Israeli settlements that violated borders drawn in 1967.

http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2015/06/30/state-dept-trade-bill-cant-defend-israels-territories

Well it didn't take long to burst that bubble. I expect a quick call from the EU big-wigs told them - no chance.

by Guest Thu Jul 02, 2015 5:56 am

Just one day after President Obama signed anti-BDS legislation into law, the State Department announced it will not protect settlements against boycotts. The legislation, according to spokesman John Kirby, “conflates” Israel and the “Israel-controlled territories.” The Times of Israel and Haaretz picked up. The latter writes:

Thus, the effort to strengthen the settlements, supported by AIPAC and other mainstream and right-wing groups and opposed by J-Street and organizations on the left, actually ends up weakening them. The attempt to blot out the differences between a boycott of Israel and of the territories actually highlights them. The boycott of settlements, in effect, has now been officially stamped “kosher” by the State Department.

But Eugene Kontorovich tweets that what’s done is done. (See also his background on the legislation.)

State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts EVKontorovich

State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts EVKontorovich

by Irn Bru Fri Jul 03, 2015 12:56 am

Have you read the Bill and what it actually says Didge?

It says 'discourage' only in relation to Israel and the occupied terrotories.

It's not mandatory and there is no enforcement mechanism mentioned in relation to 'discouraging' anyone.

THe US realise that they cannot dictate the foreigh policy of another government and they're not going to force any government to do so.

Do you really think that the US will stop trading with Saudi Arabia for example with all those lovely contruction and defense contracts up for grabs?

Discourage Didge - tha name if the game

by Guest Fri Jul 03, 2015 5:06 am

Irn Bru wrote:Have you read the Bill and what it actually says Didge?

It says 'discourage' only in relation to Israel and the occupied terrotories.

It's not mandatory and there is no enforcement mechanism mentioned in relation to 'discouraging' anyone.

THe US realise that they cannot dictate the foreigh policy of another government and they're not going to force any government to do so.

Do you really think that the US will stop trading with Saudi Arabia for example with all those lovely contruction and defense contracts up for grabs?

Discourage Didge - tha name if the game

Oh dear..

The bill has been signed because the US has woken up to the New BDS Nazi's

You just answered your own question on whether nation swill still trade ha ha ha, what an idiot lol

by Guest Fri Jul 03, 2015 7:56 am

I guess you don't understand the word 'discouraged'.

by Guest Fri Jul 03, 2015 8:56 am

I guess you do not understand signed laws.

by Guest Fri Jul 03, 2015 9:00 am

Oh bless you Didge. Diversion from 'discouragement'. Never mind, try again.

by Guest Fri Jul 03, 2015 9:01 am

sassy wrote:Oh bless you Didge. Diversion from 'discouragement'. Never mind, try again.

Like I say you still cannot grasp this and lets see what happens shall we Laughing

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State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts

State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts

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Re: State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts

Re: State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts

Re: State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts

Re: State Dept: New trade bill can't defend Israel's territories, which have spurred boycotts