Algeria makes hostile move against foreign firms with ties to Israel
In Algeria, lawmakers have proposed a draft law to prohibit all economic interactions between Algerian enterprises and foreign firms linked to Israel. This initiative, led by MP Abdel-Salam Bachagha of the Islamist Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), aims to eliminate any legal loopholes that could allow Israeli products or partnerships into Algeria, despite no current Israeli companies operating in the country.
The law would also target firms like Carrefour and AXA, which have been identified by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement for their ties to Israel. While the proposal has garnered some support, passage may be complicated by Algeria’s laws on foreign ownership. The draft law includes severe penalties, including prison sentences for violations. Amid ongoing violence in Gaza, public sentiment has shifted towards support for such anti-normalization measures, although concerns arise regarding potential misuse of the law to suppress dissent.
The draft law seeks to ban all economic dealings with foreign firms linked to Israel, reflecting strong anti-normalization sentiment in Algeria. Despite no Israeli companies currently operating in Algeria, the law aims to preemptively close potential loopholes. Public sentiment has been influenced by the ongoing violence in Gaza, creating pressure for lawmakers to act against perceived complicity in Israeli actions. The law presents significant challenges due to Algeria’s existing financial regulations, which require a majority Algerian ownership for foreign joint ventures. There are concerns that anti-normalization laws may be misused by the state to suppress dissent and limit freedoms under the guise of supporting Palestine.
What is the purpose of the proposed draft law in Algeria? The proposed draft law aims to prohibit all economic transactions between Algerian companies and foreign firms associated with Israel, reflecting Algeria’s strong stance against normalization with Israel.
How does this law affect current foreign companies operating in Algeria? The law targets firms like Carrefour and AXA, both associated with Israeli business interests, even though they operate through state-owned joint ventures, complicating the potential enforcement of the ban.
What penalties are included in the draft law for violations? The draft law includes severe penalties, such as prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years and asset confiscation for those involved in transactions with Israeli agents or businesses.
How does public sentiment influence the draft law’s support? Public sentiment, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has increased support for the draft law, with many citizens advocating for stronger measures against entities associated with Israel.
