Israeli poultry farmers are taking their export business elsewhere these days – and their chickens too.
European Union sanctions on business emanating from firms based in Judea, Samaria and other locations on the ‘wrong’ side of the 1949 Armistice Line have complicated Israel’s business dealings.
Chickens and poultry products from those areas have become part of the business casualties to fall by the wayside. But given the number of southern chicken coops that were struck by rocket fire during Operation Protective Edge, this may be a blessing in disguise for the local market, particularly with the upcoming Jewish holiday month of Tishrei looming on the horizon.
The process has gotten to the point that it’s no longer worth it for many business owners to bother with the Europeans. Instead, Israeli business owners are seeking other venues — closer to home — for their products.
Officials from Israel’s foreign and agricultural ministries say the dilemma has been solved by an increase in domestic demand which has risen, ironically, in part due to the European persecution of Jews abroad.
For the past two months, the premium-quality products have instead been diverted to local markets, where they much appreciated and in very high demand – particularly with the influx of new immigrants with discriminating palates from France and North America.
It is true the Jewish communities in Europe are sadly being deprived and missing out; but Israelis who normally are asked to make due with the export ‘leftovers’ are reaping the benefits of the ‘sanction bonanza’ as a result.
And happier, gourmet Israelis at home make for a far more popular government in times of crisis.
Bottom line: Palestinian Arab terrorism hasn’t gotten a toehold — let alone a snowball’s chance — with the Netanyahu administration in power.
There are no chickens in the Israeli government coalition this time around.
