Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) released the following statement opposing the current E.U. product labeling proposal:

"I oppose the current European Union labeling proposal because it specifically targets Israel for discriminatory treatment, differing from the way the E.U. treats any other country in its goods’ labeling policy.  Furthermore, it requires the insertion of the politically-charged phrase “Israeli settlement” in product labels.

"By contrast, since 1995, it has been the policy of the United States to use more neutral, non-stigmatizing labeling based on a product’s geographic origin – “Israel” or “West Bank” or “Gaza Strip.”  This longstanding U.S. policy does not contradict the Israeli legal stance that the West Bank and Gaza are not “occupied” territory and are not part of Israel, but are instead “disputed” territory whose status should be determined by negotiations.  Nor does this policy conflict in any way with the long-held U.S. and Israeli position supporting a two-state solution as the only way to maintain Israel’s long-term security and ensure that Israel remains both Jewish and democratic."

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