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.
36 comments
According to the map this means items made in the little town of Bethlehem cant say made in Israel. And part of Hebron is Israeli control, so what happens there? You know who you should ask – the grieving family of the butured 14 yr old Israeli Jewish shepherd. He wasnt West Banker. He was Israeli, or he wouldnt have been murdered.
AMERICA WILL SUPPORT ISREAL!!!
This is more than absurd! This is like cancel culture! I buy Israeli products all the time, and will continue to do so! From All of Israel! At least you know you are helping their economy during this difficult time too. I’ve also passed the message to friends and family.
We all know Biden isn’t running the show. It’s Obama and his team.
B’H that Hashem had everything under control however and nothing is new under the sun. Those who curse Israel will be cursed and those who bless Israel will be blessed. Unfortunately, America is cursing Israel right now. The fall of America is here.
It makes you what is putting this into action by the US Government. There is something more behind this. Be proud Israel. God stands behind your country, citizens, and what you produce.
It is so shameful what biden is trying to do to Israel.I support made in Israel
Israel should just ignore these Israel hating people in the U.S.A. I like the comment earlier that said products should be labeled “Made by God’s Chosen”.
Israel should just ignore these Israel hating people in the U.S.A. I like the comment earlier that said products should be labeled “Made by God’s Chosen”.
I pray for the return of President Trump and the return of sanity. I also pray for Israel and all her citizens. Joe Biden, like Obama, is an anti-Semite. As are the absolute majority of his administration. Americans I know are ashamed of him and his weak-kneed responses to Hamas and Iran. The worst foreign policy in my 73 years.
Judaea and Samaria belong to Israel as 3,000 years of history will attest. President Biden is pandering to islamists, hamas sympathizers and apologists, and the binary narrative which has no basis in facts. President Biden considers himself a Christian; maybe he should reread the Psalms of King David, where there is solid historical precedent.
Another example of the complete ignorance regarding Israel by the Biden Administration.
I should not be so rude, but my word to Biden, is "P__S on you. If I could live and die in Israel it would be the blessing of God.
Made in Holy Land by Israeli People.
To Yahweh I give you the Glory to honour the great I AM. To his chosen the promises has given is yes and AMEN. All blessings to Made in Israel 🙏
I will always support Israel with Jerusalem being its capital (Just as God does).
It’s just petty. How about, “Made by God’s Chosen”. With "In God We Trust " all over American money they couldn’t deny that!