Mike Pompeo Visits Israel, Reaffirms US Support
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s trip to the contested territory of the Golan Heights on Thursday further demonstrates the Trump administration’s efforts to support Israel against anti-Semitic organizations targeting it.
Pompeo’s visit included lunch at the West Bank settlement Psagot Winery, making him the first U.S. diplomat to visit an Israeli settlement, the Associated Press reported.
“Enjoyed lunch at the scenic Psagot Winery today,” Pompeo tweeted. “Unfortunately, Psagot and other businesses have been targeted by pernicious EU labeling efforts that facilitate the boycott of Israeli companies. The U.S. stands with Israel and will not tolerate any form of delegitimization.”
In a powerful show of support, Pompeo announced a new policy that will allow Israel products exported to the U.S. to be labeled, “Made in Israel,” as well as plans to combat the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS).
“We will immediately take steps to identify organizations that engage in hateful BDS conduct and withdraw U.S. government support for such groups,” Pompeo said, adding that all nations should “recognize the BDS movement for the cancer that it is.”
The secretary of state also visited and toured the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, about which he tweeted:
“We share common causes of a safe, secure and prosperous Israel and a world free of anti-Semitism.”
Thanks to the Friends of Zion Museum for an enriching tour and continued support for U.S.-Israel relations, particularly efforts to combat BDS and anti-Semitism internationally. We share common causes of a safe, secure and prosperous Israel and a world free of anti-Semitism. pic.twitter.com/smmA3DLXK3
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 20, 2020
