Gov. Ron Desantis Takes Firm Action against Ben & Jerry’s over Israel Boycott
'Florida does not tolerate discrimination against the State of Israel'
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Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis took action against Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream's parent company following its ban on selling in Israeli, referring to it as "Occupied Palestinian Territory."
DeSantis demmanded the State Board Administration place Ben & Jerry's and Unilever on the "Continued Examination Companies that Boycott Israel List."
DeSantis said in the letter to the office:
"As you know, Florida has long had a strong relationship with the State of Israel."
"As a matter of law and principle, the State of Florida does not tolerate discrimination against the State of Israel or the Israeli people, including boycotts and divestments targeting Israel," he added.
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WATCH:
A spokesperson for DeSantis said being on this list means the state could not buy stock in companies that are linked to Unilever.
Even the Biden administration rejected the ice cream company's move:
"We firmly reject the BDS movement, which unfairly singles out Israel," said State Department spokesman Ned Price.
"While the Biden-Harris administration willfully and always respect the First Amendment rights of our citizens, of the American people," he added.
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"The United States will be a strong partner in fighting efforts around the world that potentially seek to delegitimize Israel and will work tirelessly to support Israel's further integration into the international community."
Retailers reacted to the Israeli boycott by ditching Ben & Jerry's from their stores as part of growing backlash against the increasingly 'woke' company.
Ben & Jerry’s on Monday announced they would no longer be selling their ice cream in the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
Their statement read:
“We believe it is inconsistent with our values for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to be sold in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT)."
"We also hear and recognize the concerns shared with us by our fans and trusted partners."
“Although Ben & Jerry’s will no longer be sold in the OPT, we will stay in Israel through a different arrangement."
"We will share an update on this as soon as we’re ready."
