A move to implement a targeted boycott of Israeli exports has been chastised as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) looked to put pressure on the country’s political forces.
The TUC has voted to step up the pressure for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories by boycotting products from “illegal Israeli settlements”.
But a potential boycott of all Israeli goods has been avoided despite calls from by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) to reject all of the country’s exports and increased pressure from campigns such as Boycott Israeli Goods.
Union leaders debated the issue long and hard before deciding to back the move, put forward by the FBU, supported by the Unison and UK’s largest union Unite.
The FBU objects to Israel’s actions in Gaza, in particular an offensive in January which saw more than 1,000 people killed in the three-week mission.
TUC members agreed to turn their backs on Israeli goods, especially agricultural products produced in the settlements, during its four-day conference in Liverpool.
The FBU will call for an end to arms trading with Israel, a ban on importing goods from "illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories" and promotion of a consumer-led boycott.
But the Israeli embassy criticised the move branding it "reckless" and suggesting the trade unions are taking a one-sided view, ignoring the suffering of Israel citizens.
A spokesperson told The Guardian: "Any boycott will inflict harm and hardship on workers throughout Israel, both Jew and Arab alike. Boycotts would not promote progress or understanding, but would be a slap in the face to all those who sincerely campaign for peace."
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber told union delegates that they had a role to play in ending the occupation and dismantling illegal settlements but insisted the boycott would not hit general Israeli goods and services.
Israeli agricultural exporter Agrexco said, while it remains entirely political neutral, the lives of Israeli growers should be considered in the debate.
Oded Yacovson, general manager of Agrexco UK, told freshinfo:”Agrexco is a non political organisation dedicated to the export of fresh produce from Israel, as well as from other countries with which it has formed partnerships...
"Any boycott will equally affect both Israeli and Arab/Palestinian growers who are undergoing enough challenges just for survival with the [current] exchange rate, rising fuel costs and the water situation."
Israeli growers felt the affects of the conflict earlier in the year when citrus, persimmon and avocado producers saw a drop in orders after the assault on Gaza.
The TUC has given individual unions an opt-out after the University and College Union put pressure on it.
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