Israel Seeks to Ban British Amos Trust Activists Over Anti-Israel Boycott Campaigns

At the direction of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, ministry Director-General Avi Cohen-Scali recommended on Thursday that the Population and Immigration Authority deny entry to activists affiliated with the British organization Amos Trust.

The recommendation follows findings gathered by the ministry indicating that the organization has systematically promoted economic, cultural, and academic boycotts against Israel, while also supporting sanctions and an arms embargo against the Jewish state.

According to the ministry, Amos Trust uses public advocacy campaigns and social media platforms to mobilize activists and encourage participation in initiatives aimed at increasing international pressure on Israel.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in London, Amos Trust describes itself as an organization dedicated to advancing justice for Palestinians, climate justice, and gender equality. However, the ministry maintains that its activities also include organized efforts to isolate Israel internationally.

Israeli Officials Defend Proposed Entry Restrictions

Cohen-Scali emphasized that Israel is under no obligation to admit individuals affiliated with organizations working to undermine its legitimacy.

"The State of Israel is not obligated to allow entry to activists from organizations that systematically promote boycotts and sanctions against it," he said. "The findings we have gathered point to organized and ongoing activity by Amos Trust to advance boycotts against Israel. We will prevent the entry of those seeking to undermine the legitimacy of the State of Israel. They will not enter Israel."

Minister Chikli echoed those remarks, stressing that individuals engaged in campaigns against Israel should not expect unrestricted access to the country.

"Those who seek to boycott Israel, isolate it, and undermine its legitimacy cannot expect its doors to remain open to them," Chikli said. "The State of Israel will not serve as a host to activists who systematically work against it. We will continue to act decisively against organizations that promote boycotts and the delegitimization of Israel."