This move aörms IsraelÉs legitimacy

THE MOST surprising response to this week’s decision came from one of Airbnb’s biggest Israeli supporters: the Tourism Minister, Yariv Levin.

At a time when many other countries are imposing restrictions, Mr Levin’s office was actively promoting the website — until this week. Now Mr Levin says that he is going “to restrict the ability of Airbnb to work” in Israel and may also “put a very high tax” on the company’s activity there.

His response is typical of Israel’s right-wing government that puts settlement interests ahead of Israel’s majority within the Green Line.

Anyone who claims this policy is somehow discriminatory or racist needs to answer two questions. First, how exactly can Airbnb be boycotting Israel when it advertises Israeli properties inside the Green Line?

Second, if West Bank settlements are just a normal part of Israel, then why was the most right-wing government in Israel’s history content to sign an economic agreement with the EU that excludes them?

Contrary to Airbnb’s critics, the company has effectively reaffirmed Israel’s legitimacy as a sovereign state within the Green Line. While removing 200 listings from Airbnb will not put the Zionist dream at risk, expanding West Bank settlements in order to block any chance of peace may do so.

The only way to ensure Israel has a safe future as a Jewish and democratic state is by ending the occupation and reaching an agreement with the Palestinians.

Maya Ilany is the deputy director of Yachad UK