The Knesset Economics Committee unanimously approved, for the first time, an order banning the import of products made with forced labor. The order, initiated by the Economy Ministry, is designed to combat forced labor and bring Israel in line with regulations in place in countries like the European Union.
Committee members explained that the move could allow Israel to ask the U.S. administration to reduce tariffs on Israeli exports from 12.5% to 10%. The U.S. recently imposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Israel, in part due to Israel’s lack of formal rules banning this type of import. The order was drafted after staff work coordinated by Prof. Avi Simhon of the National Economic Council. Under its framework, specific products can be added to the banned list, with each addition requiring review of appeal and objection mechanisms and renewed approval by the Economics Committee.
The hearing emphasized that the process is designed to protect businesses and ensure adequate adjustment periods. The order defines forced labor as “any work or service demanded from a person under threat of any penalty and which that person did not offer to do of their own free will.” Acting Economics Committee Chairman MK Alon Schuster said: “This is a step that balances freedom of occupation and the need for a standard of living with the state’s moral obligation on this issue. It’s very important that we pay attention not only to the carbon footprint we produce, but also to people, to the welfare of the people thanks to whom we can live at this level.”