Israel officially denies entry to boycott activist

Israel has admitted denying entry to a BDS activist following announcements to crackdown on its supporters from entering the country.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

06 December, 2016

Israel has accused the BDS movement of being anti-Semitic [Getty]

Israel has denied entry to a foreign activist "involved in efforts to boycott the country."

Israel's public security and interior ministers said on Tuesday that they blocked the entry of Isabel Phiri of Malawi because of "her long affiliation with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement."

Israel has long warned it would take action BDS activists but this appears to be the first time it has done it in an official capacity.

The BDS movement wages a non-violent struggle against occupation. Israel says the movement's ultimate goal is to destroy the country and has identified it as a serious threat.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan says boycotters' place is outside Israel and "we shall continue to do everything possible to prevent them from entering our country."