The halls of the Israeli Supreme Court were a beehive of activity on Feb. 16. The many journalists, representing Israeli and foreign media, made their way to the hall where a special panel of nine justices debated petitions against the Boycott Law, which was passed by the previous Knesset in July 2011. The law enables the imposition of a fine on an organization or an individual who calls for the implementation of a cultural, academic or economic boycott on an individual or body due to its connection to Israel or an area "under Israeli control," meaning settlements in the occupied territories.

The petitioners — human rights groups and several individuals — declared war against the law, claiming that boycotts are a legitimate protest tool in a democratic society.

The petitioners noted that the sanctions included in the law (monetary compensation for victims without proof of damage, as well as limitations on participation in government tenders and funding from its institutions) deter peace activists from engaging in political activity. The state’s representatives admitted that the law harms freedom of expression, but claimed that calling for boycotts is not part of the “core of freedom of expression” and cannot be considered legitimate political discourse.

On the front bench, sitting side by side, were Knesset member Ahmad Tibi, Uri Avnery, the founder of the Gush Shalom organization that promotes boycotts of settlement products and Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin, one of the bill's authors.