AIRBNB PULLS OUT OF WEST BANK, CAUSING UPROAR

Israel is threatening vacation rental company Airbnb with high taxes and legal repercussions over its decision to remove listings from Jewish West Bank settlements.

The company said it will take down some 200 listings and cease its operations in Israeli settlements “that are at the core of the dispute between the Israelis and Palestinians.” It was not immediately clear when the removal would take effect.

Israel’s threats step up its fight against a global movement advocating for boycotts over the country’s treatment of the Palestinians.

Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin says Tuesday that Israel will seek to impose “very high taxes” on the company in order to restrict its operations in the country. He also says Israel will encourage hosts in settlements to sue the company.