There was no implied threat in the statement by Secretary of State John Kerry that Israel may be subject to a larger international economic boycott than is now in process if the peace talks do not make progress (“Kerry Adds Fuel To BDS Fire,” Editorial, Feb. 7, “Boycott Fears Bubbling Over Amid SodaStream Controversy,” Feb. 7). Kerry’s statement will not increase the likelihood of enlarged boycott. He simply described the potential for the economic implications if the status quo continues to be the status quo.
But here’s an economic idea that does not depend on Kerry and might defuse some of the boycotting. Why don’t Israel investors like West Bank-based SodaStream collaborate with Palestinian investors and develop industry within the Palestinian territory? It would be a road to economic parity, create jobs for Palestinians in a place where the workers are not subject to check points and check point closing and have the potential rise up the chain instead of working at the lowest rung in Israeli factories.
