A Bill That Could Jail Americans for Israel: What Is H.R. 867?

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on bill H.R. 867, known as the IGO Anti-Boycott Act. If passed, this bill would make it a federal crime for Americans to participate in boycotts of the occupation state of Israel, including Israeli settlements, promoted by international organizations.

The bill would impose penalties, including fines of up to $1 million and prison sentences of up to 20 years for those found guilty of supporting such boycotts. The legislation, framed as part of a broader effort to combat ‘antisemitism’, is a direct attack on Americans’ right to protest and express dissent.

What Is H.R. 867?
H.R. 867 expands an existing law known as the Anti-Boycott Act, which was established in the 1970s. The original law prohibited U.S. citizens from complying with boycotts imposed by foreign governments, specifically targeting boycotts against Israel. However, the new bill goes a step further by targeting boycotts promoted not only by foreign governments but also by international governmental organizations (IGOs) such as the United Nations and the European Union.

Under this new bill, Americans could face severe penalties for voluntarily boycotting Israeli goods, services, or settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. For example, if an individual chooses to follow an EU guideline that discourages business with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, they could be prosecuted under this law, even though the boycott would be based on personal beliefs, political views, or support for international law.

Penalizing Free Speech and Dissent
Supporters of the bill claim it is a necessary measure to combat ‘antisemitism’. They claim that boycotts targeting Israel are rooted in hatred against Jewish people, even as opposition to Israel and its crimes is increasing among Jewish Americans. However, opponents see this as a dangerous attempt to stifle free speech and criminalize political dissent.

This bill is particularly concerning to those who view it as a tool to suppress pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide activism. The U.S. has long provided billions in aid to Israel, and many Americans are growing increasingly concerned about the lack of accountability for Israeli crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.

For years, U.S. taxpayers have contributed over $23 billion to Israel, especially since the escalation of the Gaza genocide. Critics of the bill argue that the U.S. is funneling taxpayer money into a genocide that many Americans oppose, all while limiting citizens’ ability to speak out against violations of international law.

A Growing Pattern of Censorship
This bill comes at a time when free speech in the U.S. is under increasing threat. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, the government has taken steps to pressure universities and institutions to clamp down on anti-Israel rhetoric. Trump’s administration even warned universities that they could lose federal funding if they allowed student organizations or faculty to criticize Israeli policies. This, critics argue, was not about fighting antisemitism, but about silencing opposition to Israeli policies, including those involving the treatment of native Palestinians.

With H.R. 867, Americans may soon face even harsher consequences if they voice opposition to Israel, particularly on issues like the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. The bill doesn’t just target forced boycotts; it also punishes individuals who choose to boycott based on their personal beliefs, including those who oppose Israel’s treatment of native Palestinians.

What Does This Mean for Americans?
If passed, H.R. 867 would grant the government sweeping powers to prosecute American citizens for participating in peaceful boycotts of Israel, even when these actions align with international law. Those who believe that the settlements in the West Bank violate international law, or those who feel a moral obligation to support Palestinian rights, could face criminal charges simply for exercising their rights to protest.

This bill represents a broader trend where political and corporate interests are merging to restrict individual freedoms in the name of international cooperation. Proponents argue that it is about protecting Israel and fighting antisemitism, but critics see it as a crackdown on democratic principles and the right to dissent.

The law would also target American citizens who choose to boycott Israeli goods or services due to their political or moral stance. This includes individuals who participate in global movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions), which calls for international pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.

The passing of H.R. 867 would likely mark a significant shift in the relationship between the U.S. government and its citizens’ rights to free expression. Many are already worried about the implications of this bill on future protest movements, especially those focused on social justice and human rights.

For many, the bill isn’t just about Israel; it’s about the right to challenge the status quo. It’s about whether Americans can continue to speak out against injustices without facing criminal charges. It’s about whether they can support international calls for boycotts or divestment campaigns without risking a prison sentence or hefty fines.

As the U.S. continues to pour billions in taxpayer money into Israel, it’s becoming clear that many Americans are being asked to support a foreign policy they don’t agree with, all while their basic freedoms are at risk. Whether or not H.R. 867 passes, it represents a dangerous precedent for the future of free speech and political activism in the United States.