The decision of Israel’s High Court of Justice (April 15) to uphold the central provisions of the “Anti-Boycott Law” marks an important milestone in the response to political warfare. This complex and carefully reasoned decision highlights and places limitations on activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that pursue boycott campaigns in Europe and America, using false and distorted legal and factual claims. These discriminatory economic attacks are central to the “Durban Strategy” (adopted in the NGO Forum of 2001 UN Durban Conference) of demonizing and isolating Israel through BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions), lawfare (legal attacks), and other strategies.

As is clear from the court decision and the legislation itself, the anti-boycott law is a response to the central role of political advocacy NGOs in support of boycott campaigns through patently false legal statements and efforts to deny Israelis the basic right to self-defense. NGO Monitor has repeatedly emphasized the importance of informed public debate and full transparency, including the role of funder-enablers, in combating this political warfare.

At the same time, we note that the decision of Israel’s highest court is consistent with court decisions and laws in Europe and the United States. Invoking claims of free speech does not legitimate discrimination, defamation, and the exploitation of legal processes to interfere with commercial transactions, artistic performances, academic activities, and other targets of BDS warfare.