There have been interesting developments regarding the new planned anti-BDS bill “Combating BDS Act” introduced by Republican senator Marco Rubio. The bill targeting boycott, divestment and sanctions movement BDS is considered to be highly controversial and liberals, progressives, civil liberties organizations and prominent Democrats oppose the bill (1, 2). Senator Diane Feinstein said that the bill would be unconstitutional (3). The anti-BDS bill was stalled, partially because of the government shutdown, on Tuesday. However, Senator Rubio tweeted that he would try to organize another vote (4). Zack Beauchamp noted that the controversy regarding the bill shows how the two main parties’ approaches to Israel is changing:
“Support for Israel, so long a bipartisan issue, is becoming polarized, with Republicans willing to back Israel virtually unconditionally while Democrats are more willing to question Israeli policy and US support for it. “ (5)
References:
1)”Marco Rubio accuses Rashida Tlaib of anti-Semitism in battle over anti-free-speech pro-Israel bill” Alternet 9.1.2019
2) “Senate anti-BDS bill slammed as ‘absurd’ amid US government shutdown” Middle East Eye 7.1.2019
3) “US Senator calls anti-BDS act unconstitutional” Daily Sabah 9.1.2019
https://www.dailysabah.com/americas/2019/01/08/us-senator-calls-anti-bds-act-unconstitutional
4) “Anti-BDS measure stalled in US Senate but ‘will come back'” Al Jazeera 9.1.2019
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/anti-bds-measure-stalled-senate-190109150723359.html
5) “The controversy over laws punishing Israel boycotts, explained” Vox 9.1.2019
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/1/9/18172826/bds-law-israel-boycott-states-explained
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