New York Exempts Foreign Governments From Anti-BDS Sanctions

The administration of Kathy Hochul announced that a 2016 executive order prohibiting state business with entities supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel does not apply to foreign governments. This interpretation allows nations including Canada, the United Kingdom, and France to ban goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank without facing state sanctions from New York.

The New York State Office of General Services clarified that state agencies cannot technically invest in foreign governments, which exempts those nations from requirements to divest from institutions participating in BDS activities. This decision follows moves by 12 countries, including Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, to restrict trade with Israeli settlements.

While Governor Hochul continues to champion the bond between New York and Israel, the clarification allows her to manage political sentiments within the Democratic Party during her reelection campaign. The original order was established in 2016 by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who previously warned that New York would boycott those who boycott Israel.