Texas ban on business with “anti-Israel” companies largely symbolic
AUSTIN — Republican Gov. Greg Abbott made a strong show of support for Israel in May, putting his name to a law that prevents state investment or contracts with companies that boycott the country.
“Any anti-Israel policy is an anti-Texas policy,” he declared at the bill-signing ceremony, held at a Jewish community center.
But, as it turns out, the policy that took effect Sept. 1 is largely symbolic. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts identified
only two foreign companies affected by the ban; the state isn’t doing business with either.
Senate sponsor Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said he is confident the law will act as a deterrent going forward.
“We are not only talking about businesses today, but also tomorrow,” he said in a statement. “Should any think about changing strategies to boycott Israel, maybe they will think twice.”
In passing the law this year with bipartisan support, Texas joined a growing group of roughly 17 states that restrict government investment with companies that participate in the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement against Israel. Launched in 2005 by Palestinian groups, the initiative aims to put economic pressure on Israel to stop the country’s settlement of Palestinian territories, among other goals.
The two companies identified by the comptroller deny that they boycott Israel.
“It is completely inaccurate to say we have a boycott in place with Israel,” said Russ Brady, a spokesman for The Co-operative Group in the United Kingdom, in an email. “Co-op members have instructed us not to have any trade with those businesses operating out of the occupied territories… It is not a ban on Israeli companies.”
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Originally Posted by Zippyjuan
Activists call for boycotting Israel. (Photo via BDSMovement.net) 
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