Israeli bookstore chain stops selling book that attacks settlers; academics call for boycott

Israeli stores pull book attacking settlers

JERUSALEM — An Israeli bookstore chain says it has pulled a book highly critical of Jewish settlers in the West Bank after customers complained about it.

The book calls the settlers “hypnotized zombies” and attacks the Israeli right for its strong ties to the them. The Tzomet Hsfarim chain packaged the book with an Israeli flag for independence day next week.

In response, some academics are calling for a boycott of the bookstore chain. Their petition warns, “succumbing to ideological and political pressure is a serious threat” to Israeli democracy.

About 300,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank. Many Israelis oppose the settlements and are in favor of most be removed in exchange for peace with the Palestinians.