US says settlement products can be labelled 'Made in Israel'

  US State Department has anunced that products from Israeli settlements can be labelled “Me in Israel,” breaking with longstanding policy.

move was anunced shortly after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited a settlement in occupied West Bank, a first by a top US diplomat.President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan, which overwhelmingly favored Israel and was rejected by Palestinians, would allow Israel to annex up to a third of West Bank, including all its settlements.

State Department said change in labeling policy is consistent with our reality-based foreign policy approach. 

Palestinians and most of international community view settlements as a violation of international law and an obstacle to peace. European Union requires member states to label products originating in settlements.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo paid first-ever visit by a top U.S. diplomat to an Israeli settlement in occupied West Bank on Thursday after anuncing a new initiative to combat international Palestinian-led boycott movement.

visit to settlement, and anuncement that U.S. would brand boycott movement as anti-Semitic and cut off all funding for groups that participate in it, toger offered a parting gift to Israel from an ministration that has broken with deces of U.S. policy to endorse Israel’s claims to territory seized in war.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anymity, confirmed visit to Psagot winery in a settlement near Jerusalem to reporters traveling with Pompeo, who were t allowed to accompany him.

Pompeo h earlier said he would pay a visit to Golan Heights. Israel seized West Bank and Golan Heights in 1967 war and later annexed Golan in a move t recognised internationally. 

(IM CREDITS:PTI)