In a move to combat the US-led political and economic boycott of the Palestinian government, and the Israeli policy that is overtaking the Palestinian economy, a comprehensive boycott of Israeli products is getting underway.
Thousands of Palestinians are part of the Israeli low-wage labor force inside its borders and in its settlements while Israeli products flood shelves in Palestinian stores.
This is not limited to East Jerusalem, but is rampant throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
It is easier to find water bottled in Israeli settlements on Bethlehem store shelves, for example, than it is to find the Palestinian brand from nearby Jericho. This is part and parcel to the Israeli policy of closure and destruction of Palestinian production facilities.
The Palestine News Network spoke with several economic and political names Saturday in order to garner the affects and repercussions of the boycott on Palestinians and their future, as it is predicted to cost the Israelis billions.
Palestinian Legislative Council member and head of the Palestinian National Initiative, Dr. Moustafa Barghouti told PNN, ‘Israel will lose up to four billion dollars annually if this boycott is fully applied by the Palestinian side. Due to the nature of the West Bank and Gaza Strip’s consumer markets, Israel is the first beneficiary of four million Palestinian consumers.’
Dr. Barghouti continued, ‘The boycott of Israeli goods is intended to support national alternatives and imports from countries that support the Palestinian people.’
Economics Professor Nasser Sabri spoke with PNN from Ramallah’s Bir Zeit University. ‘This is an effective weapon, but is hampered by the complex realities of the Palestinian – Israeli relationship regarding inputs in the economic sector. For example the shoe industry is stocked by goods found in the markets of Tel Aviv. Also several Palestinian factories market production into Israel. Therefore, we can easily to say that the situation is complex.’
Professor Sabri added, ‘The boycott is meaningful and effective as Israel controls everything, including the crossings, and so to provide alternatives is difficult but crucial.’
Sabri explained, ‘The Israelis control electricity, fuel and water, the backbone of any industry. The Israelis then get to provide raw materials, therefore drive production’
Merchant Nasser Al Awda told PNN, ‘The boycott of Israeli goods did not come quickly or suddenly. It was the result of a cumulative process which includes the conviction of the Palestinian consumer and the fact that there is a real market for Palestinian products.’
He added, ‘In talking about boycotts, without the desire for resistance, we will not prevail. There is a greater profit margin for the merchant when selling Israeli imports rather than Palestinian products, and there is often a greater demand for Israeli goods, particularly specific foods.’
Al Awda continued, ‘Many people are behind the idea on the resistance level of a boycott, but because of the overlap in economies we have to remain dedicated until we see a full application on the ground.’
Economist at Nablus’ An Najah University, Abdel Joad Islamabad, spoke with PNN. ‘An economic boycott can be remarkably effective. One third of general imports and the luxury imports can be dispensed with. The volume is five and a half billion dollars annually. If the consumer is convinced, just removing luxury goods will cut out half a billion.’
He added, ‘The Israeli occupation is gaining more than any other occupation in the world. It does not bear any responsibility towards the Palestinians and can drive the Palestinian market without losing any revenue. This cannot continue.’
Professor Abdel Joad continued, ‘The Palestinian consumer boycott begins and ends when it also alters the Palestinian citizen. His conviction will force merchants to meet the new needs and stock the goods that the consumer wants.’
He said that providing alternatives is crucial. ‘Replacements must be provided and can come from an Arab or Islamic country, such as Turkey, or from the European market. This is where Israel can control the situation as well, by creating impediments to import and export to the West Bank and Gaza Strip as it controls the entrances and exits.’
The Nablus professor concluded by saying, ‘Palestinian leaders and media can play an important role in guiding the boycott by reminding the people of its importance in resistance as at the very least one third of Palestinian imports are directly benefiting Israel.’