JERUSALEM (JTA) — Dozens of Israeli lawmakers have signed a petition calling for a boycott of Israeli companies that agreed to shun "settlers" in the building of a new Palestinian city.
Sponsored by the Land of Israel Lobby, the petition was signed by 48 lawmakers after being circulated Monday. Right-wing lawmakers and half of the Kadima Party signed, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The petition comes in response to a contract signed by 20 Israeli companies to help build Rawabi, in the West Bank near Ramallah, in which they agree not to use raw materials, products or services originating in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as well as in eastern Jerusalem or on the Golan Heights, which the Palestinian Authority also defines as settlements.
"Israeli companies have sold their Zionist souls and their national solidarity for a handful of dollars," the petition reads, according to Israeli news reports. "We call on you, Cabinet ministers, regardless of factions, to refrain from any business dealings with those Israeli companies who signed or will sign on this shameful contract, which is cooperation with Palestinian economic terrorism."
The Palestinian Authority in 2010 announced a boycott of products and services originating in the settlements, including areas annexed by Israel, and said it will prohibit Palestinians from working in the settlements beginning later in 2011.
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