Airbnb faces Israel backlash

ISRAEL has reportedly threatened to hit Airbnb with increased taxes and legal action over its decision to de-list properties and cease operations in West Bank settlements.

The home-share platform has faced an angry response from Israeli political leaders since its announcement on Mon that it planned to withdraw from contested lands.

“We concluded that we should remove listings in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that are at the core of the dispute between Israelis and Palestinians,” Airbnb said.

“We know that people will disagree with this decision and appreciate their perspective.”

The decision affects about 200 listings in the West Bank, which had been permitted until now in line with US law which allows companies to trade in the disputed territories.

Israel yesterday called for a reversal of the policy and raised the propect of increasing taxes on Airbnb, Associated Press reports.

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin was quoted saying Airbnb’s new position was discriminatory and a “disgraceful surrender” to boycott proponents.

He said property hosts would be encouraged to sue Airbnb and that Israel would impose new restrictions on the company.

“If you have a policy of discrimination against Israelis you cannot earn money in Israel,” he told AP.

Airbnb said it had consulted with experts to develop a policy framework on how it should treat listings in occupied territories.

It included consideration on whether the existence of listings had a direct connection to the wider dispute in the region and whether they contributed to human suffering.