The Politicization of Israeli Economy and Foreign Investment

Rosa Parks with Martin Luther King Jr. - unintended speaker of truth...

This topic would not have come up in my writing if not for a recent comment by UN secretary general in his visit to Israel (see: http://www.un.org/sg/). According to reports, Ban Ki-moon said to students in a speech a few days ago:

“Unfortunately, because of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel has been weighed down by criticism and suffered from bias and sometimes even discrimination,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon admitted during his visit to Jerusalem, according to the European Jewish Press (EJP).

This admission is good news to Israelis which have been complaining about negative bias no only in the UN. What seems like a new revelation, is the secretary's explanation which amounted to something like “what do you expect, after such long and bitter Israeli-Palestinian conflict”. Israelis are accustomed to negative bias from foreign government (and government representatives). Israelis have experienced with bad treatment when visiting foreign countries. Even treatment at embassies representing foreign governments IN ISRAEL, have been known to treat Israelis badly. Is this a new step in honesty from UN officials? Will UN officials be able to limit discrimination from member states? At least in the UN?

Some changes happen quietly and in time gain momentum. When Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. started their journeys in speaking out for discrimination, neither one thought of becoming an icon for justice. Yet the world and circumstances lead them to become not only famous, also able to change how the world perceives truth (or is it reality?) I am not saying that Ban Ki-moon is the next King, but he may be the first one in a long time to call a spade a spade. Maybe this is what Israelis need. Someone who will stop saying all kind of things, besides the truth.

How is this all tied to Israel's economy and foreign investment? Actually, in a very big way. When the world is full of hate and lies about Israel's stance with the Palestinians, everyone who has an ax to grind uses it as an excuse. These days, the European Union want products manufactured by Israeli companies in Palestinian territories labeled differently than product coming from proper Israeli (pre-1967 borders). European Union member states and union organizations are threatening not to trade equally with Israeli companies who are not going to label their products accordingly. This may put pressure on Israel and companies who are based here. Which is what some believe will be the only way Israel capitulate to Palestinian requests. Economic sanctions are not effective most times, yet they can cause economic pressure on the target country. This is certainly not fair, as Ban Ki-moon would say.