Academic Paper: Boycotting Israel Post-October 7: Feasibility and Impact (Arabic)

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By: Dr. Ashraf Badr.
(Exclusively for al-Zaytouna Centre).

Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations has published an Arabic academic paper entitled “Boycotting Israel Post-October 7: Feasibility and Impact,” by Dr. Ashraf Badr.

Operation al-Aqsa Flood on 7/10/2023, and the ensuing brutal war waged by the Israeli military against the Gaza Strip (GS), brought the issue of boycotting Israel to the forefront of public discourse among supporters of Palestinian rights. This raised several questions, including: What is the impact and feasibility of boycotting Israel, especially given the lack of statistical data on the boycott’s effects?

This paper aimed to examine the boycott, assess its feasibility, and clarify the relationship between the boycott and economic factors on one hand, and its use as a tool for policy change on the other. It also explored the factors contributing to the boycott’s success, particularly the increasing Arab and international rejection of Israel’s oppressive practices, especially after the GS war.

Additionally, the paper addressed the isolation faced by the Israeli occupation in artistic and cultural forums, as well as in academia and sports.

On the other hand, the BDS movement faces several significant challenges, the most notable being Israel’s efforts to harass BDS advocates and label them as anti-Semitic. A major challenge is the support Israel receives from its allies, particularly the United States, which provides cover for Israel’s actions. Additionally, Palestinian, Arab and Islamic activism remains weak due to the lack of a comprehensive national strategy among Palestinians, the absence of a unified role among Arab and Muslim countries, who are preoccupied with their internal affairs, and the lack of effective institutional and trade union structures to support boycott campaigns.