Airbnb is suspending its new policy of boycotting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, the company announced today, AXIOS reports. The statement was issued after a round of negotiations today between Airbnb vice president Chris Lenehan and Israeli Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin.
Airbnb’s decision last month to de-list 200 apartments and houses for rent in the Israeli settlements shocked the Israeli government. In the last few weeks, the Israeli government together with pro-Israeli organizations in the U.S. pressed Airbnb to change course.
An Airbnb delegation arrived secretly in Israel earlier today and held talks with the Minister of tourism and his aides.
Israeli officials said the talks were very difficult, with Levin conveying tough messages to Lenehan. The meeting ended in a deadlock, but in subsequent phone calls the two sides agreed on text for the statement.
In Airbnb’s statement, it said, “The new policy (regarding the settlements) will not be implemented.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
NOT TRUE! IT DENIES IT HAS CHANGED IT’S POLICY