Thread by @JeremyBenAmi

It's over the top and counterproductive for Israel's Ambassador to the US/UN to refer to @benandjerrys' decision not to sell its products in occupied Palestinian territory as antisemitism, say it 'dehumanizes Jews' or liken it to an act of violence or hatred. 1/6

And it’s downright harmful to the US-Israel relationship when Israeli officials lobby for enforcement of constitutionally dubious laws that trample on Americans’ First Amendment rights. 2/6

Hopefully the new Israeli gov't has learned from the tremendous damage done to the US-Israel relationship by Netanyahu's active interference in US politics. There is no reason to double down on that mistake. 3/6

Ben and Jerry's is drawing a distinction between commercial transactions in the sovereign State of Israel, and those in the territory it occupies. Why is that so frightening to the government of Israel? Its own laws recognize the territory is under military occupation. 4/6

Using overheated, over-the-top accusations of antisemitism to attack Ben & Jerry’s and other critics of the occupation only undermines the critical fight against genuine antisemitism. 5/6

If Israel's diplomats want to help US Jews and supporters of Israel around the world to answer its critics, perhaps they should be promoting a diplomatic, peaceful end to unjust occupation and endless conflict -- instead of attacking those who dare to protest or oppose it.