Lapid: British sanctions on Israel a serious mistake and encouragement to Hamas

Congressman Randy Fine has issued a stern warning to the UK government, stating that Florida could launch a boycott of British businesses if the UK imposes a trade ban on Israeli settlements. This threat arises in the lead-up to the UK's anticipated announcement on Tuesday regarding the trade ban. Fine cited Florida's law that prohibits contracting with companies involved in a boycott of Israel, which could prevent British businesses from participating in Florida's market.

Fine emphasized the potential economic fallout, stating that the boycott could cost British businesses billions of dollars. To illustrate the power of this policy, he referenced Airbnb's recent decision to remove listings for roughly 200 properties in Israeli settlements in the West Bank in 2018. As a result, Florida added Airbnb to its "Scrutinized Companies" list. Despite the policy, Airbnb later reversed the decision in April 2019 following legal challenges.

Fine stressed that any company or nation that boycotts Israel risks being boycotted in return. Recent academic research indicates that 38 US states have enacted anti-boycott laws, which often condition access to state contracts, investments, or other government benefits on not participating in boycotts of Israel. Texas, in particular, could follow Florida's lead with a similar policy, given its legislative provisions.

Combined, Florida and Texas make up approximately 15% of the UK's economy in 2025, with Texas' GDP being around $2.9 trillion and Florida's at roughly $1.7 trillion.

The UK's GDP stood at about $4.00 trillion in the same year. Notably, Texas has a long-standing investment relationship with Israel. Israeli companies have invested $3.2 billion and created more than 4,200 jobs in Texas over the past decade. Meanwhile, Texas companies have made seven investment projects in Israel, contributing $178.6 million in capital investment and more than 545 new jobs during the same period.