“We have been more than reasonable,” the statement continued, “and will now have no option but to see Swansea Council in the High Court. It appears supporting BDS antisemitism is more of a priority for the council than local services.”
The council has had a boycott in place for more than five years because, according to the Labour-led council’s policy, the settlements in question “contravene international law”.
Swansea Council defended the move. A spokesman said: “The council has never boycotted Israeli goods and has no intention of doing so. For legal reasons, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Labour’s Rob Stewart, leader of the council, claimed last month that despite the policy being in place, it had no practical effect because “non-commercial considerations are ignored during the council's procurement processes”.
In October, the government announced plans to amend legislation in order to stop local councils from boycotting Israel.