Texas gets involved in Israel’s fight with Ben & Jerry’s over West Bank boycott

• • The fight between Israel and Palestinians is spilling over into 30 U.S. states with laws on their books preventing pension funds from investing in companies that refuse to do business with the Jewish state.
  • The freshest example involves the socially conscious ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, the West Bank and Texas.
  • A spokesman for Republican Gov. Greg Abbott told CNBC: “Ben and Jerry’s decision to boycott parts of Israel is disgraceful and an insult to America’s closest ally in the Middle East.”

“…State Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who controls billions of dollars in assets for Texas’ public pension funds has already told his office to take action. In a statement to CNBC he said, “I’ve directed my staff to determine whether any specific action has been taken by Ben & Jerry’s or Unilever would trigger a listing under Chapter 808 of the Texas Government Code,” the law passed in 2017.

It is also possible sales in states with anti-boycott laws could be impacted. If Ben & Jerry’s or Unilever bids for a contract at a public institution, they could be disqualified if the boycott becomes a reality.

Florida state CFO Jimmy Patronis, who controls public pension funds, told CNBC his office started discussing the issue Tuesday morning. “I find what’s taking place very concerning,” he said in a text. But he wasn’t prepared to say what action might be taken…”