Easthampton City Council approves divestment resolution targeting Israel-linked investments

After long deliberation, East Hampton City Councilors tonight passed a divestment resolution calling for changes to the city's investments from companies advocates say are complicit in human rights violations in Israel and Palestine. 22 News reporter Kaylee Thomas joins us live in studio with what both sides had to say. Sarah, supporters want East Hampton to pull investment from these companies while opponents question the proposal's fairness and what it would accomplish. About $454,000. That's how much a divestment resolution says East Hampton had invested in companies. Supporters want the city to walk away from. With signs in hand, residents rallied before Wednesday night's city council meeting, identifying holdings in GE Aerospace, RTX, and Palantir Technologies, pointing to their connections to the Israeli military. Passing this resolution urges our city treasurer to divest from companies directly complicit in war crimes and violations of international and human rights in Israel and occupied Palestine. Organizers from East Hampton Divest say more than 525 residents have signed in support. We don't have to be invested in these things. We can be invested in other things that bring a good return for the city. Inside, a counselor explained why they supported the proposal. It's clear that there is a significant group of residents, including myself, who are deeply disturbed by the horrific acts committed by Israel and Palestine that are supported by our public dollars and enabled by American companies. One resident who previously resided in Northampton when it passed a divestment resolution wanted East Hampton to follow. I am hoping that now that I live in East Hampton, I will be able to feel that same sense of pride. But the request drew opposition. The proposed resolution and the supporting statements you've already heard are filled with inflammatory accusations against Israel that just aren't true. This resolution is not anti-Semitic, nor does it single out Israel for prejudicial treatment. Others questioned its impact. This is a financial decision that will impact the city directly and would do little to mitigate the war. The Finance Committee recommended approval 3-0 after consulting the city attorney. The measure asked the Treasurer to review targeted holdings, decide independently on selling or avoiding investments, including Israel bonds, and advocate for changes within investment funds. And as for the resolution, it was approved by city councilors. The council passed a ceasefire resolution in Gaza in 2024, and organizers said this was about putting the city's money behind that message. Working for you, Kaylee Thomas, 22 News.