Legislation that recognizes Israel as one of Oklahoma’s top trade partners and the nation’s greatest ally in the Middle East passed the state Senate.

House Bill 3967, authored by State Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, specifies that unless exempted by the secretary of state, the state of Oklahoma will not enter into contracts with companies that advocate boycotts, divestments or sanctions (BDS) against Israel. The state also will not adopt a procurement, investment or other policy that has the effect of inducing or requiring a person to boycott the government of Israel or those doing business in or with Israel or territories under its jurisdiction.

McBride said Israel is Oklahoma’s 12th largest trade partner. The state exported almost $104 million of commodities to Israel in 2019, up from almost $61 million in 2017.

Contracting with companies that refuse to deal with U.S. trade partners, such as Israel, or that make discriminatory decisions on the basis of national origin is risky and unsound trade practice.  He also points out that U.S. policy opposes such boycotts and that Congress has concluded as a matter of national trade policy that cooperation with Israel materially benefits U.S. companies and improves American competitiveness.

McBride said as a Christian, he also personally believes Israel has a unique covenant relationship with God, and the Bible is clear: those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed. HB 3967 is modeled after laws adopted by 26 other states, including Kansas.