Israel boycott movement furious at UAE over deal to import wine from occupied Golan Heights
The United Arab Emirates signed a deal with Israel to buy wine produced in the settlements of the occupied Golan Heights, prompting a wave of anger among Palestinians and the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dealt a heavy blow to the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, after it signed a deal Oct. 28 with Israel to sell wine from Syria’s occupied Golan Heights in Dubai. The deal was concluded between the Emirati African + Eastern company that operates in the field of wine and alcohol marketing and the Israeli-owned Golan Heights Winery. The products will be launched in wine stores, hotels and restaurants in Dubai in the next few days.
The Golan Heights Winery was established in 1983, and it was the first of its kind in the Golan Heights after its occupation by Israel in 1967. It relies on the production of eight settlements and agricultural village cooperatives and produces four different types of wine, according to the website of the winery.
