The House of Representatives passed a bill on September 18 that would turn a Trump-era regulation on labeling products made in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza into law. The Anti-BDS Labeling Act, introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), was approved with a vote of 231-189. All 215 Republicans and 16 Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while 189 Democrats voted against it.
The regulation, which was finalized in 2020 and took effect in 2021, mandates that products produced in Gaza be labeled with terms such as ”Gaza,” “Product of Gaza,” or “Made in Gaza.” Items made in Israel must be labeled as “Israel” or “Product of Israel,” while products from the West Bank should bear labels like “West Bank” or “Made in West Bank.”
One point of contention during the vote was regarding products made in Area C of the West Bank. The bill requires these items to be labeled as coming from Israel. Critics argue that Israel is occupying the West Bank, which previously belonged to Jordan until it was won by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967.
The Biden administration has expressed its view that Israeli neighborhoods located within the West Bank are an obstacle to achieving a two-state solution. This stance represents a reversal of the policy implemented by the Trump administration.
The bill comes just before the one-year anniversary of an attack against Israel by Hamas on October 7 last year. This assault was considered one of the deadliest anti-Semitic attacks since World War II.
Supporters argue that American consumers should have access to this labeling information so they can make informed choices about supporting Israel’s economy during times of conflict. On the other hand, opponents claim that this legislation erases Palestinian existence.
BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) is a movement aimed at pressuring and delegitimizing Israel through various means including boycotts and sanctions. According to BDS’s website, it seeks freedom, justice, and equality for Palestinians but has been deemed anti-Semitic by organizations like The Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Rep. Tenney celebrated her bill’s passage stating that there has been an increase in anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence along with growing support for BDS movement; therefore accurate labeling is necessary to support Israeli businesses and demonstrate continued commitment to their closest ally.
