Congresswoman Tenney Urges Treasury Review of UK-Led Israel Boycott Under U.S. Anti-Boycott Law

September 9, 2026 Press Release Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging a formal review of the United Kingdom’s announced trade restrictions targeting Israel and related efforts by other Western countries under Section 999 of the Internal Revenue Code. The letter follows the United Kingdom’s announcement that it would ban imports of goods produced in Israeli-controlled areas of Judea and Samaria and sanction companies involved in expanding housing and communities in the region. According to the announcement cited in the letter, France and Canada would join the effort, while Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden pledged support for the ban. These actions build on similar measures in Spain, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway that Congresswoman Tenney has previously raised with the Treasury Department. The letter warns that these policies align with the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, promote economic discrimination against Israel, and create legal uncertainty for American companies operating abroad. “Foreign governments seeking to economically isolate Israel must understand that their actions carry consequences,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United Kingdom’s announced restrictions and the growing support for similar measures advance the BDS movement’s discriminatory campaign against one of America’s closest allies. American businesses should not be caught between foreign boycott policies and their obligations under U.S. law. I am urging Secretary Bessent to promptly review these measures and add countries to Treasury’s international boycott list if they meet the statutory criteria. We must stand firmly with Israel and enforce our laws designed to combat this discrimination.” Section 999 requires the Treasury Department to publish a list of countries that require or may require participation in, or cooperation with, an unsanctioned international boycott. The letter calls for an expedited review of whether these policies meet the criteria for inclusion and urges Treasury to act without delay if they do, ensuring American businesses understand their reporting obligations and potential legal exposure. Read the full letter here . ###