Last week, it was reported that US government officials are planning to prohibit products coming from Israeli towns in Judea and Samaria from being labeled as “Made in Israel.” It would be a striking parallel to the boycotts imposed in Germany in 1933, when Jewish businesses were targeted and marked to stop people from shopping at them. The US labeling requirements would target specific Jewish businesses in Israel the United States has deemed obstacles to peace.
The shop window of a Jewish owned business in Nazi Germany
This comes as the Biden administration has not hidden its disapproval for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government and his handling of the war. It also comes at a time the White House is increasing talks and pressure to create a Palestinian State. Finally, it appears to be in retribution for a non-issue the Biden Administration has blown out of proportion—so called “settler violence.”
Can products made in Israel be labeled as "Made in Israel"?
Such labeling requirements date back to the 1990’s, when a US Customs statement was published forbidding products originating in Israel’s Judea and Samaria region (the West Bank) from being labeled as from Israel. “It is not acceptable to mark the aforementioned goods with the words ‘Israel,’ ‘Made in Israel,’ ‘Occupied Territories-Israel’ or any variation thereof,” the statement read.
It is not acceptable to mark the aforementioned goods with the words ‘Israel,’ ‘Made in Israel,’ ‘Occupied Territories-Israel’ or any variation thereof,” -US Customs and Border Protection
The Biden Administration is reportedly considering bringing back requirements that would prohibit some Israeli products being labeled "Made in Israel" Basemap credit: mapchart.net
The requirement was never enforced, but was reiterated by the Obama administration in 2016, when US Customs and Border Protection released a statement with a reminder of the 90’s law. President Obama showed open hostility to Israeli settlers in Judea and Samaria throughout his presidency, and this reminder served as a statement that the administration did not view Judea and Samaria as a legitimate part of Israel.
Then, in 2020, the Trump Administration reversed that policy, recognizing that Israelis living in Judea and Samaria have every right to label their products as being “Made in Israel.”
Ignoring Current Realities
Now, it looks like the US may once again revert to a standard that ignores reality. The decision to target Israeli businesses in Judea and Samaria is part of a pressure campaign to get Israel give up land, and it could lead to boycotts and sanctions. In pursuit of a Palestinian State, the Biden Administration is slandering Israel’s government and ignoring the wishes of a huge majority of Israelis who oppose such a state. In the wake of October 7, Israelis recognize that giving away land would be a reward for the atrocities committed by Hamas, and an invitation to have them happen again.
Judea and Samaria is an inseparable part of Israel. Refusing to recognize this fact can only serve to weaken Israel and prolong the violence. Only the truth—that Jews have every right to live securely in all of their land—can bring stability and peace to the region.
Dale
April 24, 2024
Shalom everybody. I am praying for the well being of all of Israel, and my GOD continue to protect Israel and give victory over all who hate Israel and our true GOD.