Florida Rep. Randy Fine said British companies could face sanctions under Florida’s anti-boycott laws if the UK bans trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Fine argued that the UK’s planned trade measures would amount to supporting Muslim groups. Pointing to the importance of trade relations between Florida and the UK, Fine said British companies could face consequences worth billions of dollars and that firms forced to comply with the ban could receive severe penalties at the state level.
Florida boycotts every company or country that boycotts Israel.
Fine cited developments involving accommodation platform Airbnb in 2019 as an example of Florida’s possible economic response. Fine claimed that the company withdrew its restrictions on listings in occupied areas after he assessed that Florida’s anti-boycott regulations could drive Airbnb into bankruptcy.
The UK’s settlement policy
The UK’s plans to ban trade with Israeli settlements established in the occupied West Bank and described as illegal have intensified the debate alongside Fine’s remarks.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the expansion of Israeli settlements was unacceptable. Burnham announced that his country would take comprehensive measures shortly.
Israel’s response
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Israel to recognize the Falkland Islands, which are under British administration, as Argentine territory in response to the UK’s position.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the British ambassador to be expelled immediately.
