Human Rights Watch revealed that over 250 million Americans, constituting 78% of the population, reside in states wielding anti-boycott laws targeting businesses opposing illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The organization identified 27 states enforcing laws or policies penalizing entities supporting boycotts against Israel. Notably, 17 states, which include Michigan, explicitly extend these measures to companies abstaining from business in Israeli settlements.
Even in states without explicit settlement provisions, businesses are facing penalties for severing ties with settlements. Andrea Prasow, Deputy US Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the trend, stating, “States with anti-boycott laws are effectively telling companies that if you do the right thing and disentangle yourselves from settlement abuses, you can’t do business with us.” Prasow emphasized the need for states to encourage, rather than sanction, companies avoiding contributions to rights abuses.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
