Intel has paused a $25 billion investment in Israel, which is being celebrated as a major win by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. The decision to halt the investment was seen as a significant victory for the BDS movement, which aims to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and adhere to international law.
The investment was initially announced in 2019 as part of Intel’s plan to expand its operations in Israel and build a new semiconductor chip plant in the country. However, recent reports indicate that Intel has decided to put the investment on hold, with no clear timeline for when or if it will resume.
The BDS campaign has been urging companies to withdraw their investments from Israel in protest against its treatment of Palestinians. The campaign gained momentum in the early 2000s and has since become a prominent part of the global movement for Palestinian rights.
Intel’s decision to halt its investment in Israel is seen as a significant blow to the country’s economy, as well as a major victory for the BDS campaign. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for Israel’s tech industry, which has been heavily reliant on foreign investment and partnerships.
The Israeli government has condemned Intel’s decision, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett calling it “a surrender to anti-Semitism.” The government has also accused the BDS campaign of using “lies and deceit” to influence companies and governments to divest from Israel.
Despite the backlash from the Israeli government, supporters of the BDS campaign have hailed Intel’s decision as a major breakthrough in their efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions. They argue that economic pressure is an effective way to push for change and bring about a resolution to the conflict.
In response to Intel’s decision, the BDS campaign is calling on other companies to follow suit and divest from Israel. They believe that corporate pressure is a powerful tool to hold countries accountable for human rights violations and illegal occupation.
Overall, Intel’s decision to halt its $25 billion investment in Israel is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights. It highlights the growing influence of the BDS movement and its ability to affect change through economic and political pressure. As the campaign continues to gain momentum, it is likely that more companies will reconsider their investments in Israel, further isolating the country and forcing it to address the root causes of the conflict.
Article Source
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240619-intel-stops-25bn-investment-in-israel-biggest-victory-yet-says-bds-campaign/amp/
