A CAMPAIGN urging Pembrokeshire County Council not to boycott, divest or sanction Israel is being circulated locally.

It follows a Pembrokeshire petition, submitted on the Council website by Sarah Davies of Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire, that reads:

“We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to pass a resolution calling on Dyfed Pension Fund to divest our pension money from companies profiting from genocide.

“As residents of Pembrokeshire, we are deeply concerned that the Dyfed Pension Fund (DPF) invests millions of pension fund money in companies complicit in Israel’s genocide, occupation, and apartheid against Palestinians. In addition, DPF uses the multinational asset management firm BlackRock to manage 40 per cent (£1.4 billion) of its total assets. BlackRock has been cited in a recent UN report as profiting from genocide.

“Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and other Welsh councils have already committed to divestment. We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to use its influence to urge Dyfed Pension Fund to divest from these companies.”

The e-Petition runs up to December 28.

Meanwhile, an email, being shared through the ‘activist mailer’ website and citing a UK Lawyers for Israel memorandum, reminds CEO Bramble and over 70 councillors copied in that such a divestment would be “contrary to the Council’s statutory duties under UK law” as “the Local Government Act 1988 explicitly forbids councils from making procurement decisions based on political or non-commercial reasons.”

The email argues that the terror attack against British Jews in Manchester in October “has intensified anxiety among Jewish communities nationwide.”

“It is essential to clarify that Councils are not legally obligated to divest from Israel. In fact, Israel stands as a vital ally,” it continues, and goes on to “strongly urge the Council to pass a motion that prevents any current or future boycott, divestment, and/or sanctions (BDS) against Israel.”

The campaign continues: “Regardless of your stance on the Palestinian or Israeli issues, the Council must take a firm stand against BDS, as it is detrimental to community cohesion and public safety… inconsistent with the Council's fiduciary responsibilities… [and] contrary to the Council’s statutory duties under UK law.”

“The Council is required under the Public Sector Equality Duty to encourage good relations among diverse racial and religious groups. BDS invariably leads to antisemitic acts… it is crucial that the Council refrains from actions that could further divide our community or create feelings of insecurity.”

The message goes on to say that the Council bears a legal and moral obligation to act in the best financial interests of its pension fund members and residents: “Divesting from Israel could potentially diminish returns; consider the upward trend of Israel's stock market.” and adds:

“Israel plays a significant role in British national security, including the sharing of anti-terrorism intelligence. This cooperation is crucial for the safety of British citizens.

“For these reasons, BDS is socially divisive, financially unwise, and unlawful.” The email concludes with urging the council to “introduce a motion to prevent any current or future boycott, divestment, and/or sanctions (BDS) against Israel.”