Somerville, Massachusetts city council moves to enact Israel divestment vote

The Somerville City Council in Massachusetts is moving to enact a binding ordinance on divestment from Israel, following a nonbinding ballot question that passed with 55.7% of the vote in November 2025. The ordinance would bar the city from investing in or procuring labor, services, or goods from companies that support entities identified by the ordinance as violating international law, including Israel. Unlike similar proposals in other cities, the Somerville ordinance specifically names Israel and Palestine. The issue has divided the city of over 84,000 residents, which has a long-standing Jewish population. Opponents, including the group Shalom Somerville, argue the ordinance singles out Jews who support Israel and makes them feel unwelcome. The Anti-Defamation League and the Louis D. Brandeis Center have called the proposal an unconstitutional intrusion into foreign affairs. Supporters, led by the group Somerville for Palestine and backed by Jewish Voice for Peace, argue it follows the will of the voters and is a necessary stand against genocide. The ordinance is now before the city's Legislative Matters Committee.