Greens rule out targeting Australian-Israeli businesses in sanction strategy

A day after the party’s deputy leader joined in a heated anti-Israel protest, the Greens have moved to clarify their Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions strategy.

The Australians Greens will not target businesses operating in Israel unless the companies were “complicit in violating Palestinian human rights” such as by supplying weapons to Israeli Military.

A day after Greens Deputy Leader Mehreen Faruqi attended a protest where activists called for any ships bringing Israeli owned or made goods to be barred from Australian ports — the party moved to clarify it will only target businesses actively complicit in the violation of Palestinian human rights.

The Telegraph understands the Greens’ strategy of boycotting will not extend to businesses simply operating in Israel.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Jordan Steele-John also ruled out boycotting Australian businesses as part of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement.

“The Australian Greens support boycotts where they are strategic, human rights aligned and where the corporation is directly profiting from or are complicit in the violation of Palestinian human rights,” a spokesman for Mr Steele-John said.

“Senator Steele-John as Foreign Affairs Spokesperson has not announced any intention to boycott businesses in Australia.

“The Australian Greens are strongly opposing all forms of antisemitism.”

The comments come after Greens Deputy Leader Ms Faruqi spoke at a protest at Port Botany against an Israeli import ship.

Nineteen people were charged with blocking a roadway and allegedly causing disruption near a major facility after the rally “against the Israeli ZIM shipping line” after a ship running a service for the company, the Ganges, docked at the port.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin slammed the Greens for calling for boycotts.

“Anti-Israel boycotts have always been driven by the most extreme elements in our society,” he said.

“Rather than pursuing ways to hurt and isolate Israelis, genuine peace campaigners are working steadfastly to bridge gapsand bring people together.”