Rubio Resurfaces Debate Over Legislation on Anti-Israel BDS Movements

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is urging his senate colleagues to “immediately” approve his Combating BDS Act.

BDS stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions, a triad of tools being used by anti-Israel activists seeking to undermine Israel’s interests.

The most notable episodes of recent BDS activism occurred on American college campuses during the last months of the spring semester.

BDS activists, generally pro-Palestine, seek to force companies and governments to cease doing business with Israel.

Senator Rubio claimed BDS threatens the stability of Israel in a precipitously sensitive moment for the country.

Via twitter, Rubio explained his Combating BDS Act would support US authorities seeking to counteract BDS.

Rubio reintroduced the Combating BDS Act last May alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).

“Entitled, uneducated students are boycotting companies like McDonald’s, Chevron, and Amazon purely for doing business with Israel,” said Rubio. “This bill, which previously passed the Senate, would mark an important step toward bringing an end to the movement’s discriminatory efforts.”

If passed, Rubio’s bill would provide legal protection for US authorities who divest public funds from an entity previously receiving such funds and incentivizing BDS.

Some estimates have claimed BDS movements could cost Israel billions of dollars.

Other entities have sought to violently target companies and countries doing business with Israel.

Since Hamas’ October 7th attacks, for example, the Houthis have launched an aggressive campaign against Israel, targeting Israeli and allies’ ships traversing the Red Sea with daily missile strikes.

The US and allies have been assisting Israel repel Houthi attacks.