Netanyahu Says Israel Boycott Moves Immoral, Damaging

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attacked the growing global campaign to sanction his country for West Bank settlements, saying such efforts weaken Palestinian willingness to make compromises for a peace deal.

His comments drew a retort from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who warned Israel yesterday about the growing sanctions.

“Attempts to impose a boycott on the state of Israel are immoral and unjust,” Netanyahu told his cabinet at its weekly meeting today in Jerusalem, according to a text message from his office. The boycott won’t be successful because it will encourage the Palestinians “to adhere to their intransigent positions and thus push peace further away.”

Netanyahu’s comments reflect growing concern in Israel over recent international steps to boycott or sanction businesses operating in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, including local banks and companies such as SodaStream International Ltd. (SODA), a maker of carbonated drink machines.

Kerry addressed these sanctions at the Munich Security Conference, cautioning Israel about an “increasing delegitimization campaign” that includes “talks of boycotts.” He said the relative calm and prosperity that Israel now enjoys is “illusionary” and urged it to move forward to a peace deal with the Palestinians.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-02/netanyahu-says-israel-boycott-moves-immoral-damaging.html