Netanyahu Defends Contentious Boycott Law

The Associated Press reports:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday defended a contentious new law targeting local boycotts of West Bank settlements, as the issue escalated into a battle over the limits of Israeli democracy.

Supporters say the law is needed to counter what they consider "delegitimization" of Israel's very existence. Critics say it is a violation of the basic right of free speech and part of a chilling trend by the government to stifle dissent.

The law, approved Monday, allows settlers or settlement-based businesses to sue Israelis who promote settlement boycotts. Courts would determine whether a boycott caused financial harm and if so, assess damages. Settlement-based companies produce items like wines and cheeses, and businesses operate factories, schools, supermarkets and bank branches in the West Bank.

Netanyahu and most senior Cabinet ministers were absent during Monday's vote, raising speculation that he had misgivings about the legislation. During a heated parliamentary debate Wednesday, Netanyahu made clear he supported the measure.

"I approved the law. If I hadn't approved, it wouldn't have gotten here and it wouldn't have passed," Netanyahu said. "I am against boycotts aimed at the state of Israel in general, and I am against boycotts aimed at groups within Israel."