SodaStream is considering closing a West Bank factory that sparked protests against its products, but said the final decision will be “purely financial”, according to a report.
Daniel Birnbaum, the Israeli company’s CEO, told the Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday a decision will be made in the next two months, and is a result of expanded activity in a new plant in the southern Negev region. Birnbaum reportedly said a European boycott of goods made in the disputed West Bank territory will play no part in the consideration.
“The boycott is a nuisance, but does not cause serious financial damage,” Birnbaum said. “We are not giving in to the boycott. We are Zionist.”
In February, SodaStream ambassador Scarlett Johansson quit her role with charity Oxfam over her support for the drinks company. Oxfam claims the West Bank factory, which employs Palestinian workers, contravenes international law.
