Skip to main content

Israel anti-boycott bill inches closer to passing Senate after revisions

A revised anti-boycott bill is gaining traction in the Senate as pro-Israel advocates lobby lawmakers to pass the legislation.
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) addresses the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington March 1, 2015. Israeli Prime Benjamin Netanyahu has come under almost unprecedented criticism from the U.S. administration and in Israel for his planned speech to Congress on Tuesday, as international talks with Iran are under way to secure a deal on Teheran's nuclear program. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS) - GM1EB311TIQ01

Lawmakers unveiled the latest iteration of a bill meant to crack down on boycotts of Israel and its West Bank settlements just in time for the pro-Israel lobby’s annual advocacy day on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., proposed an amendment to his Israel Anti-Boycott Act on Monday that he hopes will assuage concerns that the legislation violates free speech rights. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is championing the bill as part of its annual conference in Washington this week but some critics remain unconvinced by the changes.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.