A debate has broken out in Washington, DC over legislation against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel — with several Democrats opposing it.
While Democrats argue that the proposed laws will curb freedom of speech, Republican representatives have accused their opponents of supporting BDS.
A central dispute relates to two separate bills — one opposing boycotts of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the other opposing boycotts of Israel itself, Haaretz reported.
One proposed law, which was presented last week, would compel contractors in US states to pledge they do not participate in boycotts of Israel or the settlements.
More than half of states have passed such legislation over the past decade, although many of these have been challenged in the courts.
But a movement by Republicans — and some Democrats — to elevate these laws to the federal level has gained momentum in recent months.
Marco Rubio, the Republican senator and one-time presidential hopeful, last week presented the first bill, which has the strong support of Aipac, the US-Israel advocacy body.
He tweeted: “A huge argument broke out at Senate Dem meeting last week over BDS. A significant [number] of Senate Democrats now support #BDS & Dem leaders want to avoid a floor vote that reveals that.”
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish, responded to the dispute by saying: “It’s absurd that the first bill during the shutdown is legislation which punishes Americans who exercise their constitutional right to engage in political activity.
“Democrats must block consideration of any bills that don’t reopen the government. Let's get our priorities right.”
Newly-elected Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, was accused of antisemitism by Senator Rubio after she claimed lawmakers who supported the bill “forgot what country they represent”.
She said: “This is the US, where boycotting is a right and part of our historical fight for freedom and equality.
“Maybe a refresher on our US Constitution is in order, then get back to opening up our government instead of taking our rights away.”
