The Des Moines Register reports: Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he will sign a bill that prohibits state funds from being directly invested in companies that boycott Israel.
The Republican governor said he plans a formal bill-signing ceremony for House File 2331, which was passed by the Iowa Senate last week after winning approval earlier in the legislative session from the Iowa House.
The legislation is intended to counter efforts of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement. A host of Palestinian political groups, unions and others began in 2005 to encourage companies and government entities to boycott goods produced in Israel and divest from financial holdings there.
“I just think it is wrong to be boycotting our friend and ally, Israel,” Branstad said. He noted that Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds visited Israel last month with the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association for meetings with Israeli government, military, and business leaders. In addition, he pointed out that the Greater Des Moines Partnership participated in a trade mission to Israel two years ago.
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