Israel asks U.S. states to act against Airbnb delisting of rentals at settlements

"Israel's minister in charge of combating boycott efforts against the Jewish state is urging US states to take steps against booking website Airbnb, after it decided to de-list accommodations in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Airbnb's statement on November 19 announcing the new policy noted that 200 Israeli-owned listings in the West Bank would be removed, after the company had concluded, 'They are at the core of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians.'

In a letter to the governors of Illinois, New York, Florida, Missouri, and California, where Airbnb is based, Erdan called the announcement an adoption of 'the anti-Semitic practices and narrative of the boycott movement.'...

He urged the governors to 'consider speaking out against the company's decision, and taking any other relevant steps, including in relation to commercial dealings' between Airbnb and their states.

Erdan's outreach is likely falling on receptive ears. Laws against state investment in companies that boycott Israel exist in 25 US states.

According to the Kan public broadcaster, Illinois governor Bruce Rauner has already asked the state's investment board to consider divesting from Airbnb at its meeting next month. Florida's governor-elect Ron DeSantis has promised to take similar steps once in office..."