The delegation visiting Israel was comprised of 22 parliamentarians from the European Union (EU), Africa, and Central and South America. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Foreign lawmakers visiting Israel announced Wednesday that they plan to pursue a bill stating that boycotts against products manufactured in Judea and Samaria communities are in violation of international trade and commerce laws.

Speaking with reporters at the Binyamin Regional Council’s industrial park, the delegation — comprising 22 parliamentarians from the European Union (EU), Africa, and Central and South America — stated that its members adamantly oppose the E.U.’s decision to label Judea and Samaria-made products, and that they plan to pursue measures to counter that designation.

They MPs further stated they are opposed to any form of economic sanctions that may be imposed on Israel by European countries, and that they support Judea and Samaria communities’ business ventures.

“I’m proud to be here and to see the collaboration between Arabs and Jews in Binyamin,” European Parliament MP Bas Belder of the Netherlands said, adding that the delegation “will stand steadfast against any boycott of Israeli products.”

Israeli Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel said, “Those who promote boycotts against Israel only escalate the [Israeli-Palestinian] conflict, because they fail to understand that real peace begins with economic peace.”

Avi Roeh, head of the Yesha Council — the umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria — said, “Reality is stronger than all those who are trying to undermine Israel.”