West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) along with colleagues Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), and Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) have penned a letter criticizing the Biden Administration's consideration of reversing a Trump Administration decision regarding the labeling of certain Israeli imports. The potential reversal could have detrimental economic effects on Israel by empowering the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement to target the country further.

Expressing his concerns, Rep. Steube stated, "It’s completely wrong that the administration is considering taking an official trade action to hurt Israel. The U.S. is Israel’s single largest trade partner, and the Biden Administration should not do anything to jeopardize our robust relationship." He emphasized the importance of properly labeling goods produced in specific areas of Judea and Samaria as 'Made in Israel,' as Israel exercises authority in these regions. Rep. Steube warned that reversing this trade policy decision could legitimize antisemitic efforts to weaken Israel, the U.S.'s closest ally in the Middle East.

The letter, which has gained support from the Coalition for Jewish Values, Republican Jewish Coalition, and Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), has drawn attention to the possible repercussions of altering labeling requirements for goods from Judea and Samaria. Rabbi Steven Pruzansky of the Coalition for Jewish Values highlighted the historical significance, stating, "Labeling Jewish products from Judea as anything other than products of Israel should remind us that the Nazis began their campaign of hate by labeling Jewish stores and products."

Morton A. Klein, the National President of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), expressed concerns about the motives behind the proposed change, asserting, "The only reason to change the labeling requirements for goods produced in Judea and Samaria is to enable the evil goals of the BDS movement." Klein commended Rep. Steube for his leadership in opposing the potential reversal, emphasizing that such a change would only serve to appease Israel's enemies without benefiting American economic or national security interests.

The letter, supported by prominent organizations and figures, urges the Biden Administration to reconsider any actions that could harm Israel's economy and inadvertently aid antisemitic movements.