Omar Barghouti Image by Mondoweiss

Israeli tax authorities arrested and investigated a co-founder of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement Monday for tax evasion, according to the Israeli business daily Globes. Omar Barghouti’s arrest follows tightening Israeli laws against its critics.

Barghouti allegedly failed to report over $700,000 in income from U.S. speaking engagements and a job at National Computing Resources in Ramallah, according to Israeli authorities. He was released on bail but is not allowed to travel overseas, Globes reports.

The BDS movement, founded in 2005, encourages boycott of Israeli products, divestment from Israeli companies, and sanctions on the Israeli government. Supporters say these tactics, used in South Africa, will end Israel’s military rule over Palestinians. Opponents say BDS unfairly singles out Israel and aims to end the Jewish state.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Israel has cracked down on the movement in recent weeks, banning entry to Israel for supporters of boycotting Israel. This followed a 2011 law that banned public calls for boycotting Israel or the West Bank settlements.

Barghouti, who is Palestinian, was born in Qatar and grew up in Egypt before he gained permanent Israeli residency status after marrying an Arab citizen of Israel. In early March Barghouti reacted to the new Israeli travel restrictions, writing “Palestinians and our supporters will not be deterred by this draconian law.”

Contact Shira Hanau at hanau@forward.com

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount